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 would all like to forget, this number has been steadily rising. But 10% is still low on the whole, and it is fair to say that we are not seeing the remote work revolution that many predicted back then.

Practical considerations play a role here - working from home 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 do not want to give up.

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

What are the benefits of working in the office?

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

Easier work-life balance

The idea of working from home appeals to most people, but it is not 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 be a distraction.

Employees who struggle to manage their time effectively, avoid distractions, and separate their personal life from their professional life will find working from home difficult. Of course, most of them will learn over time and may eventually be happier, but the truth is that some people prefer to have a clear separation between their work and private lives.

It is easier to convey company culture

It can be difficult to foster a company culture from behind a screen. While videos and online meetings can achieve the desired results, it is often easier to communicate 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 cannot help but chat with their colleagues and form friendships. This not only helps employees build an active social life, but also fosters team cohesion.

Simplified collaboration

Working in an office makes collaboration significantly easier, as colleagues can exchange ideas directly and in person. Spontaneous conversations and quick check-ins are possible without detours, making communication faster and more efficient. Misunderstandings are easier to clear up because 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 smooth collaboration in the office.

An improved onboarding experience

It is easier to orient new employees when they are working in a physical workspace. The company's managers can show them around, explain the company culture and goals, and introduce them to other team members.

This way, they not only get a good idea of what the company does and where it is headed, but they can also get to know 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 regarding 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 is no real reason why the employer should refuse. However, they may naturally feel that working in the office is more beneficial 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 drawbacks of working in the office.
• Flexibility: When working in the office, employees are tied to rigid schedules, whereas working from home usually allows for more flexibility.
• Focusing on work: While there are distractions at home, the office can sometimes pull employees into office politics. This not only wastes valuable time but can also lead to workplace tension.
• 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 drawbacks.

So, what is the solution?

Well, for many, the answer is to choose a hybrid work solution that combines remote and office work. In a hybrid model employees split their time between home and the office. They either choose the days themselves to fit their schedule, or they are instructed by their employer on 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 healthy balance.
• They stay in touch with their colleagues and build 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 through remote collaboration.

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. If an employee works in the office two days a week, they should choose the same two days every week. This makes it easier for them to plan their personal and professional life, and it is 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 to skip the commute and make weekend plans, while keeping Monday 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 simple and reliable desk sharing software like Flexopus are no longer up to date. The easier and more seamless a desk sharing tool is to integrate, the better. For this very reason, Flexopus was even awarded the German Design Award 2024 and provides both employees and managers with a variety of tools to make workflows in hybrid offices as smooth as possible.

Conclusion

Some companies benefit more from office-based work than 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 transition quickly and efficiently to a hybrid work model that is well-received by employees while offering a range of benefits to the company.