What are the advantages of working in an office?

An estimated 10% of employees in the European Union work from home. Since 2020 and the events we'd all rather forget, this number has steadily increased. But 10% is still low overall, and it's fair to say that we're not experiencing the remote work revolution many predicted in those days.

Practical considerations play a role here - Remote work is not feasible for all companies and all departments. Many companies have also realized that there are many benefits to working in the office that they don't want to forgo.

So, what are the advantages of working in the office compared to working from home, and what is the ideal solution for modern businesses?

What are the benefits of working in the office?

The specific benefits of working in the office depend on the type of company and the daily work, but some of the most common include:

Better work-life separation

The idea of working from home appeals to most people, but it's not suitable for everyone.

An experienced freelancer might scoff at the idea that remote work can be distracting, but for someone who has spent their entire life in a structured office environment, it can indeed be a distraction.

Employees who struggle with time management, avoiding distractions, and separating personal from professional life will find working from home challenging. Of course, most will learn over time and perhaps be happier then, but the truth is that some people prefer a clear separation between their work and personal lives.

It's easier to convey the company culture

It can be difficult to foster a company culture behind a screen. While videos and online meetings can achieve the desired results, it's often easier to convey the key points face-to-face.

Socialization

When you work in an office, you are constantly surrounded by other people. Even the most diligent and least sociable individuals can't help but interact with their colleagues and form friendships. This not only helps employees build an active social life, but also fosters team cohesion.

Streamlined Collaboration

Working in an office significantly facilitates collaboration, as colleagues can interact directly and in person. Spontaneous conversations and quick alignments are possible without unnecessary delays, making communication faster and more efficient. Misunderstandings are easier to resolve, as non-verbal cues like facial expressions and gestures contribute to better understanding. Access to shared resources, such as meeting rooms or technical equipment, also supports seamless collaboration in the office.

An Improved Onboarding Experience

It's easier to onboard employees when they work in a physical workplace. The company's senior staff can show them around, explain the company culture and objectives, and introduce them to other team members.

This way, they not only get a good idea of what the company does and where it's headed, but also get acquainted with their colleagues, which facilitates future collaboration, regardless of whether it takes place remotely or on-site.

Can I be forced to work in the office?

That depends on your contract, but in most cases, your employer can insist that you perform your work in the office. However, employers have become more relaxed about remote work in recent years, and you can simply submit a request for remote work.

If you can do your job remotely – and most employees can – there's no real reason why the employer should refuse this. But of course, they might believe that working in the office is more advantageous for their company than working remotely. In such cases, your request will likely be denied.

What are the disadvantages of working in the office?

Despite the clear advantages, there are also many disadvantages to working in the office. These include:

• Commuting: Remote workers can wake up, get dressed, eat, and then go straight to work. As a result, they may be more rested and less stressed. Office workers, on the other hand, have to commute, and that can mean traveling long distances during stressful rush hours. For many employees, this is one of the biggest downsides of working in the office.
• Flexibility: When working in the office, employees are tied to rigid schedules, whereas working from home usually grants them more flexibility.
• Focus on work: While there are distractions at home, in the office, employees can get caught up in office politics. This not only wastes valuable time but can also lead to workplace tensions.
• Less Stress: Since remote work eliminates commuting and office politics, remote workers are generally less stressed. They can work at their own pace and in optimal comfort, keeping them stress-free.

Hybrid Work as a Compromise

Working in the office has clear advantages, but also a number of disadvantages.

So what is the solution?

Well, for many, the answer is to choose a hybrid work solution that combines remote work and office work. With a hybrid model employees split their work between home and the office. They choose their own days and adapt their work to their schedule, or they are instructed by their employer when and where to work:

• They still commute, but can take a break to relax.
• They can gradually get used to remote work and find a suitable balance.
• They stay in touch with their colleagues and build their social connections without getting too caught up in office politics.
• They can collaborate in person and with the help of collaboration software.
• New employees can meet their colleagues in the office to break the ice before getting to know them remotely.

What are the best days to work in the office?

The best days to work in the office depend on the individual. However, they should be consistent to avoid scheduling issues. So, if an employee works two days a week in the office, they should choose the same two days each week. This makes it easier for them to plan their personal and professional life, and it's also easier for colleagues and clients, as they know where to find them. Of course, this depends on the industry and may not apply to everyone.

For most employees, the best days to work in the office are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. This leaves Friday free, allowing them to save on commuting and make plans for the weekend, while Monday remains free to avoid a stressful start to the week.

Flexopus: The Desk Sharing Solution for a Seamless Hybrid Office

Hybrid work and hybrid offices without a simple and reliable Desk Sharing Software like Flexopus are no longer viable. The easier and more seamlessly a desk sharing tool can be integrated, the better. It is for this very reason that Flexopus was even honored with the German Design Award 2024 and equips both employees and managers with a variety of tools to make the workflow in hybrid offices as smooth as possible.

Conclusion

Some companies benefit more from in-office work than from remote work, while others are better suited for remote work. However, most will function best with a hybrid work model that combines the freedom and flexibility of remote work with the collaboration, socialization, and productivity of office work.

Flexopus provides companies with the tools they need to quickly and efficiently transition to a hybrid work model that is well-received by employees while simultaneously offering the company a range of benefits.