Does working from home reduce career opportunities?

The world of work has changed drastically in recent years, and home office and hybrid work models have become the new normal for many companies.

But these changes bring new questions: Does working from home hinder career prospects? What impact does it have on promotions and professional development? In this article, we use a recent study to shed light on the pros and cons of working from home and examine whether and how these new working conditions can affect personal careers and, consequently, salary.

Study: Does too much home office reduce career prospects?

Since the pandemic, hybrid work models and working from home have become very popular. On average, employees now work from home about two days a week, and in many cases three or four days, or even fully remotely.

A new study has now examined the effects of a hybrid work model.

For the experiment, 1,600 participants from the Chinese online travel agency Trip.com were divided into two groups: one group had to be in the office five days a week, while the other group was allowed to work from home two days a week. According to the study authors, the framework and working conditions were similar to those in European companies.

The results show that in the hybrid work group, resignation rates fell by a third, while job satisfaction increased significantly. According to the study, employees without management responsibilities and commuters with long travel times particularly benefited from the mix of home office and office work.

Furthermore, the study found no significant differences in performance reviews, career opportunities, or promotion rates between the groups. During the experiment, managers' perceptions of productivity improved due to hybrid work.

The stigma of the home office

Convincing management to implement hybrid work models is not always easy. Although the home office has seen a major boom in recent years, there are still some prejudices associated with working from home. One of the biggest problems is the stigma that employees working from home are less productive or less committed than their colleagues in the office.

A common argument against the home office is the lack of visibility, which could negatively affect career prospects. The argument often goes that those who are not physically present in the office cannot make their performance and contribution to teamwork visible. In addition, networking can be more difficult because spontaneous exchanges with colleagues in the break room or during meetings are lost.

A critical voice that further reinforces the stigma of the home office comes from former Trigema boss Wolfgang Grupp, who said in 2023: "If someone can work from home, they are unimportant." This view may have resonated in the past, but in the modern working world, it is clearly long outdated.

The pandemic has shown that many jobs and tasks can be successfully completed from home without productivity suffering—a fact also confirmed by the study mentioned above.

Arguments for the home office

There are numerous compelling arguments in favor of working from home. These benefits are of great value to both companies and employees.

Flexibility and work-life balance

A key advantage of hybrid work models is increased flexibility. Employees can better adapt their working hours to their personal needs and obligations. This means less stress from commuting and a better balance between professional and private life.

Flexible working hours also make it possible to make the most of productive phases while still having time for family, hobbies, and relaxation. This balanced work-life harmony leads to higher satisfaction and motivation – and quickly reduces the risk of burnout and employee turnover.

Increased productivity and efficiency

Many studies show that employees who work from home a few days a week are more productive and efficient. Without the distractions of everyday office life, they can focus better on their tasks. The ability to work in a comfortable, self-designed environment also contributes to increased productivity. With ergonomic equipment and digital tools, the home office is just as effective, if not more so, than the traditional office.

Cost savings for companies and employees

Hybrid work also enables significant cost savings: When half the workforce works from home regularly, companies can reduce their rent and operating costs because they need less office space.

Expenses for utilities, office supplies, and cleaning also decrease. And through dematerialization, companies can save even more. The same applies to employees, who spend less money on transportation, fuel, and professional attire. These financial benefits make the home office an ideal solution for both employers and employees.

Strategies for improving career opportunities while working from home

Even though working from home has many advantages, many people fear it will be a disadvantage when they want to advance their careers. This is often accompanied by concerns that fewer promotions will lead to stagnant salaries. But don't worry: with a few targeted strategies, employees can improve their career prospects and strengthen their presence in the company, even while working from home.

The key to success in a home office is to make yourself visible despite your physical absence. Use regular updates and reports to your team and supervisors to share your progress and achievements. Create weekly status reports or implement daily check-ins to ensure your work is noticed.

Virtual meetings are also an excellent opportunity to participate actively and show your presence. Demonstrate commitment by volunteering for projects and proactively contributing your ideas.

Networking is important not only in the physical world but also digitally. Use platforms like LinkedIn to maintain contacts and forge new connections. Comment on posts by colleagues or industry experts. Participate in webinars, virtual conferences, and online workshops to expand your expertise and grow your network.

Communication is everything. A balanced culture for hybrid work is crucial for success both in the office and at home. Desk sharing can be a great help here, as sharing workspaces gives you the opportunity to connect with different colleagues and build personal relationships. This promotes the exchange of ideas and strengthens team spirit. Use the flexibility that hybrid work offers to combine the best of both worlds.

Flexopus as a solution for hybrid work models

With Flexopus, an app that allows companies to make flexible workspaces reservable, you can efficiently implement desk sharing and flexible workplace models while optimizing physical office utilization. Fewer fixed workstations mean less need for expensive desks, chairs, and other furnishings. Energy consumption in the office is also reduced, which further lowers operating costs and frees up budget for the things that really matter.

The desk sharing software from Flexopus offers intelligent booking options and integrations that allow employees to easily reserve workstations, meeting rooms, and other resources. With Smart Analytics, you also receive important information to avoid vacancies and ensure that existing spaces are used as effectively as possible.

Conclusion: Home office and career – not necessarily a contradiction

A new study shows that hybrid work improves employee retention and satisfaction without compromising productivity or career opportunities – which underscores the importance of flexible work models in modern work environments.

Nevertheless, some employees worry about a lack of visibility. If you want to advance your career while working from home, simply increase your visibility by taking advantage of digital networking opportunities, sharing your work results transparently and regularly, and communicating effectively. This way, you can succeed in creating a balanced culture for hybrid work that does not negatively impact your career prospects or salary development. Stay present and successful in your company, even from home!