The advancement of the internet has enabled us to introduce new working style, remote work, which was dramatically promoted especially because of the COVID 19 pandemic. Some people mention that this social shift had brought benefits in various ways, but others advocate that the traditional working style is superior to the modern one.
Firstly, the most obvious benefits of working at home is saving time to commute. Some employees are forced to take crowded buses or trains every morning. It isn’t uncommon for workers in the metropolitan area to take for more than an hour. If companies are allowed to work from home, those people will be released from tiring commute and experiencing disgusting traffic jam, ending up with reducing their stress. In addition, remote work can give opportunities to get jobs to more people, such as mothers who have to look after children all the time and people who prioritize their work-life balance. In the past, female workers are forced to give up pursuing their careers after pregnancy because small children need attention from them all the time. The new working style can help those workers to go back to their work quickly and easily.
However, it is sure that there are drawbacks in working outside offices without colleagues. For instance, workers will lose their social interaction with bosses and other workers. That means chances to ask advice or objective opinions to them in person can be disappeared. Also, the existence of other employees can help to raise motivation and cooperation. Furthermore, less interaction can negatively affect mental health. Experts stated that the reason why the suicide rate during the pandemic rose is considered to be related with the decreased interaction by locking down cities and towns.
In conclusion, there are both advantages and disadvantages in working at home. Employers seem to be required with being flexible so that each employee can select their working pattern depending on their personal preferences.