The debate about whether to work remotely or in the office rages in 2024. About 20% of the Canadian Workforce worked remotely at the height of the pandemic and many people continue to do so today. What side are you on? Do you prefer to work from home? Or Are you partial to working in the office?
As a top agency for executive search in Toronto, we have many clients on both sides of the battle over remote and in-office work. There’s no question it’s become a significant trend that will affect how people work for years to come. But, who’s winning the battle?
In this blog you’ll learn:
- Pros and cons of working remotely
- Why managers are against the remote work model
- Work from home trends in 2024
Is It Better To Work Remotely Or Work In The Office?
There are pros and cons to working from home and working in the office. This is one of the main reasons why it’s such a polarizing topic. There are legitimate arguments for both approaches to work. Research suggests that 37-48% of all paid jobs in advanced economies can be done remotely and the ability to work from home varies by industry. But there are pros and cons to each:
What are the pros of working remotely?
Proponents of working remotely often cite productivity and work-life balance as the top advantages of working from home.
“90% of remote workers report consistent or higher productivity rates working remotely, as compared with in-office work,” says Olivia Bush from madeinca.ca.
Working from allows people to create more balance in their lives. Bush explains:
“Remote work has also allowed thousands to reclaim some of their daily schedule for personal use, as time normally used for commuting can now be swapped in for more reenergizing morning and after-work routines. On average, remote workers have saved an hour on commute times.”
And it’s not just employees who can benefit. There is financial gain for employers. “Research shows that employers can save $11,000 per employee when switching to remote work. These savings come from reduced costs associated with office space, utilities and other resources, according to Forbes Advisor.
What are the cons of working remotely?
One of the biggest potential issues with remote work is the blurring of the line between home and work time. A recent survey found that about 40% of people felt work responsibilities have impeded other areas of their lives.
“The lack of separation between one’s private and public life has made it difficult for some to draw boundaries and regulate their workloads,” says Bush.
Another potential drawback of working remotely is not having as strong a relationship with co-workers and managers. This is something people fear could hurt their opportunities for professional growth.
Why Are Bosses Against Remote Work?
The management of a remote workforce comes with its challenges. How people work has changed and business leaders now have to find new ways to collaborate and manage remote teams. It can be more challenging to mentor, coach and engage employees when you don’t see them in person regularly.
There is also the question of accountability. Managers have concerns about the best way to track employee performance. It’s a great task to manage people in the office and remotely collectively.
What Are The Work From Home Trends in 2024?
Where are we today with the work-from-home trend? There is no doubt that remote work is on an upswing. According to data collected by Forbes Advisor, 98% of workers have a desire to work remotely at least part of the time. And, 16% of companies are already fully remote.
But it’s not going to eliminate in-office work anytime soon. Expect a gradual increase in the number of remote workers as companies find the best way to manage their workforce (in-person and remotely.
A Final Word About Remote Vs. In-Office Work – Who’s Winning in 2024?
The ongoing debate between working remotely and working in the office remains a prominent topic in today’s workplaces. Although each option presents its advantages and disadvantages, the most effective solution probably involves a flexible approach that empowers employees to select the arrangement that suits them and their responsibilities the most. It’s about winning. It’s about finding the best solution to help employees and organizations thrive in unison.
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