Advantages and Disadvantages of WFH Concept

 

Work from Home




Working from home expands the range of possibilities for how firms might operate and structure themselves. With the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, working from home has allowed some employers the flexibility they need to keep their businesses running while prioritizing employee and customer health as part of their public health responsibilities. 

Working from home was on the rise prior to the coronavirus epidemic, as many firms recognized the benefits to their businesses and improved work-life balance for their employees. Even if you don't think working from home will benefit your firm, employees with 26 weeks of service have a legal right to seek flexible work arrangements, such as working from home, and you, as an employer, must seriously consider such requests.

Advantages of Working from Home

Flexibility and Agility - Working from home allows us greater flexibility and agility in scheduling. Employees may be better positioned and more willing to work flexible hours, such as earlier or later in the day, or even on weekends, if they are no longer tethered to an office. This could assist you meet specific company needs, such as trading with customers in another time zone.

Improved Employee Retention - Home working can help retain employees since it allows them to fulfill childcare obligations, minimize commuting time, and arrange their work around their personal lives. Allowing employees to work from home increases their faith in their employer, which can lead to higher levels of employee loyalty.

Attract New Talents - Offering home working as an incentive to come work for you will help you attract new talent to your company. Even simply allowing employees to work from home can provide you a competitive advantage over competitors that do not allow employees to work from home.

Increased Productivity - because there are less interruptions than there would be in an office Working from home, on the other hand, provides a more tranquil setting in which to concentrate. You may also discover that some employees want to expand their paid contractual hours as a result of the time they save commuting to and from work.

Better Work/Life Balance - Working from home can help employees achieve a better work-life balance. For example, individuals who would have had to commute can now utilize that time for themselves, resulting in a better work-life balance. Staff can also incorporate domestic duties into their workday, allowing them more free time in the evenings, such as loading or unloading the dishwasher or cooking dinner during their lunch break.

Disadvantages of Working from Home

Working from Home doesn't Suit Everyone - Working from home is not for everyone's personality or skill set. Some employees may appreciate the routine and structure that comes with working in an office setting. Some employees prefer personal engagement with coworkers and think that face-to-face guidance from their manager is tremendously helpful in completing tasks and achieving goals. You must also consider employees with disabilities. Working from home may have an adverse effect on the support they require to perform their duties. Working from home may not be suitable for everyone's lifestyle, for example, some people may have young children who are oblivious to boundaries and cause disruptions during the working day.

Staff Feeling Isolated - Individuals who work from home may experience the natural detachment from their coworkers and the organization as a whole that an office atmosphere provides. To overcome this problem, companies should make communication more frequent. Staff are given more opportunities to feel active and part of the team by scheduling quick catch-ups via phone or regular team meetings through other technologies like Skype. More informal and sociable get-togethers might also assist to alleviate any feelings of loneliness.

Information Security Risk - When employees work from home, they may be more vulnerable to information security issues. Laptops being brought home and the requirement for personnel to access servers remotely enhance the risk. Employers should verify that encryption software and remote-wipe apps are installed to secure company data if mobile devices provided by them go missing. Virtual private networks encrypt your data and give you secure internet access to a remote machine. This keeps your files and data safe while still allowing your employees to access them.

Negative Impact on Mental Health - If your employees are unable to establish a schedule that works for them, struggle to separate work and home life, or feel lonely, the transition to working from home may have a detrimental influence on their mental health. Encourage your employees to develop a work routine, create a dedicated work space, and establish boundaries for other family members to help. Increase opportunities for employees to keep engaged by holding regular talks and team catch-ups. Eating well and exercising regularly can also assist to promote mental health, especially if they are incorporated into a regular pattern.


Hybrid Working Approach

 

Employees do not have to work exclusively from home as a result of the shift to home working. Splitting time between home and work is often the most productive arrangement, and you may want to invite the home worker to meetings to keep them fully informed and involved.

References

Ojala, S., 2011. Supplemental work at home among Finnish wage earners: Involuntary overtime or taking the advantage of flexibility?. Nordic Journal of Working Life Studies, 1(2), pp.77-97.

 

Comments

  1. ChathuraDMay 6, 2022 at 6:07 PM

    This blog clearly debated the WFH concept with advantages and disadvantages. From WFH, productivity and performance expected to be improved. Remote workers often have more time and fewer distractions, resulting in higher productivity. But I suggest, it is better to use Hybrid approach. Well written article.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Venushka BandaranayakeMay 7, 2022 at 1:38 AM

    Working from home expands the range of possibilities for how firms might operate and structure themselves. With the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, home working has allowed some employers the flexibility they need to keep their businesses running while prioritizing employee and customer health as part of their public health responsibilities. Good Luck.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nishantha RathnayakeMay 7, 2022 at 3:53 AM

    As discussed Working from home expands the range of possibilities for how firms might operate and structure themselves. With the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, home working has allowed some employers the flexibility they need to keep their businesses running while prioritizing employee and customer health as part of their public health responsibilities. as well Working from home is not for everyone's personality or skill set. Some employees may appreciate the routine and structure that comes with working in an office setting

    ReplyDelete
  4. Suranga Senarathne - MBA May 7, 2022 at 5:15 AM

    This blog discussed the benefits and drawbacks of the WFH idea. Productivity and performance are projected to improve as a result of WFH. Because remote employees have more time and fewer interruptions, they are more productive. However, I believe that the Hybrid method is preferable.
    Good luck.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dilini MBAMay 7, 2022 at 7:30 AM

    As discussed, with the ongoing pandemic situation many organizations have implemented work from home concept. It has many advantages such as increased productivity, higher employee engagement and lower administrative costs. This article clearly discusses the drawbacks as well. Good article.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Asela ThennakoonMay 7, 2022 at 9:02 AM

    Work From Home (WFH) concept mostly populated with the COVID 19 pandemic all over the world. This concept is having prons and crons for both employees as well as organization. Good effort to explain WFH concept.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Amila KarunarathnaMay 7, 2022 at 9:44 AM

    As you mentioned, Work from home gives flexible working hours to the employee as well as the job for the employer is done with ease. Work from home is helpful to delivering work life balance to the employee, and also parallelly helps the company to get the work done.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anuradha Wickramasiri.May 7, 2022 at 12:50 PM

    As discussed, WFH enables employees to maintain or improve their productivity while also allowing them to spend time with their families or work on personal projects.\Good luck Suresh

    ReplyDelete
  9. Amila PereraMay 7, 2022 at 8:17 PM

    With the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, working from home has given most employees the flexibility to continue their job while ensuring the health. As you have discussed above working from home has both pros and cons. Flexible schedules, increasing employee retention, having time to cater the needs of family members, comfortable atmosphere are some advantages. Disadvantages include Lack of motivation, Lack of office equipment, security issues, lack of team work, etc. In my point of view hybrid approach is the most suitable one. Well written article. Good luck.

    ReplyDelete

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