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Updated by ASEC International on Aug 25, 2021
Headline for Top Pros and Cons of Working from Home
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Top Pros and Cons of Working from Home

As the remote workforce increases in number, employers and employees alike are becoming more aware of the opportunities and challenges that come with working at home, from the freedom of flexibility to environmental distractions. As a company with a fair number of remote workers, we identified 16 pros and cons of working from home. Keep these in mind if you're considering working remotely--is it really right for you?

16

Pro: Flexibility

Pro: Flexibility

Working remotely means that you can essentially work anywhere, especially with smartphones, laptops and tablets becoming staples in everyone's technology collection.

8

Pro: Comfort and Convenience

Pro: Comfort and Convenience

At home, you can work in your pajamas or yoga wear and have access to all of the things that keep you comfortable--your music collection, favorite teas or coffee, blankets and pillows, etc.

15

Con: Less Communication

Con: Less Communication

Although all team members at ASEC log onto Skype during work hours for easy communication, there is still something to to be said about communicating with people face-to-face. Conversations can be had in the office that aren't possible via Skype, and you get to know your coworkers on a more personal level when you see them every day.

14

Pro: No Commute

Pro: No Commute

Fuel costs are considerably lower when you can work from home.

13

Con: Limited Access

Con: Limited Access

In any office, there are certain programs and technologies that are limited to office access for security reasons. If you need access to documents on those servers, you have to rely on others to pull that information for you in a secure manner.

12

Pro: Cost Savings

Pro: Cost Savings

Not only do you save time and gas money from a diminished commute, but you also have instant, free access to the food in your fridge--limiting the need to go out for lunch and giving you more money to spend on the weekends.

11

Con: Technology Challenges

Con: Technology Challenges

Home Internet systems, or the connections between them and office systems, can be unreliable, with midday crashes or disconnections that require numerous resets or error fixing.

10

Pro: The FedEx Person is Good-Looking

Pro: The FedEx Person is Good-Looking

If your FedEx delivery person is attractive, working from home means that you're the sole recipient of his or her attention--at least until you sign for the package and he or she drives away.

9

Con: The FedEx Person is Creepy-Looking

Con: The FedEx Person is Creepy-Looking

If your FedEx delivery person is more reminiscent of Kiefer Sutherland in "Eye for an Eye," you might feel safer meeting in an populated office.

7

Con: Pets/Children Can Be Distracting

Con: Pets/Children Can Be Distracting

If you have pets or young children at home, they can pose a challenge to your productivity, as your presence means to them that you're available--and your love for them can make it hard to focus on the task at hand.

6

Pro: More Privacy

Pro: More Privacy

In an office environment, especially if you're in a cubicle space, privacy is at a premium, and everyone around you can be privy to your phone conversations, Internet searches and overall work process. Working from home largely eliminates this--unless, of course, your house is full, too.

5

Con: Lack of Boundaries Between Personal Space and Work Space

Con: Lack of Boundaries Between Personal Space and Work Space

Lots of studies have proven the value of dividing work spaces from personal spaces in the home. The bleed-in of work and home has a twofold effect--when you're working, it can be harder to focus if you're in a space meant for relaxation (i.e. your living room or bedroom); if you're trying to unwind, being in the same room where you usually do your work can make it difficult to relax. Having a dedicated space for work and nothing else is a good solution, if you're able to do so.

4

Pro: Ability to Personalize Surroundings

Pro: Ability to Personalize Surroundings

If you're extra-sensitive to your environment, working from home offers great opportunities to maximize inspiring aesthetics of your surroundings with the use of candles (such as soothing and energizing scents like lemon grass and green tea), colors (on your wall or objects arranged around your desk), and sounds (like the calming sound of rain or a motivating piece by Chopin) without worrying about distracting other employees.

3

Con: Too Much Freedom

Con: Too Much Freedom

Having a lot of freedom to personalize your space, wear what's most comfortable, eat what you want and when you want, etc., can sometimes pose more challenges than convenience. Working from home (or any remote location) requires self-determination, focus and prioritization skills that employees need to cultivate in order to succeed in a home environment.

2

Pro: Solitary Sing-Alongs

Pro: Solitary Sing-Alongs

When you're home by yourself, rather than in the workplace, not only can you listen to music as loud as you want, but you can also sing along--as loud as you want.

1

Con: Social Roommates/Relatives

Con: Social Roommates/Relatives

If you live with others who are also home during the day, they may not understand that, even though you're in your pajamas and singing along with your favorite music, you are actually working. They may see your presence as an open door to chat or give you chores to do, so you have to be very firm in explaining that you are, in fact, very busy.

17

Pro: doggy cuddles

Pro: you get to cuddle your pets any time you like!