These days, more and more employees are given the choice to work remotely. Because of the countless innovations that the internet has provided, many companies have realized that employees can be more productive when they have more flexibility with their location.
However, while many people will opt to work from home right away, some people still prefer the co-working space setting. In this article, we are going to explore the benefits of both working from home and working out of co-working spaces, as well as their drawbacks.
Hopefully, by the end of this article, you'll have a better idea about which one is best for your lifestyle and overall productivity.
The Pros and Cons of Working From Home
Pros: There are many benefits to working from home. For one, you get to save on commuting costs. By working at home, you don't have to worry about the gas you need to go to the office, the parking fees you may incur, and the time it takes to travel from one point to another.
Also, you don't have to worry about dressing up for work or dealing with office politics. With this, you can save in terms of your appearance costs such as make-up, clothing, and shoes.
From a productivity standpoint, you can also take breaks whenever you want and work at your own pace. So, if you're a night owl, you can choose to spend your nights, instead of your days, doing your best work instead.
For parents, fur parents, working students, or anyone else who needs to juggle multiple roles, this flexibility can be a lifesaver. Unlike being bound to a physical office, working from home lets you decide on what fires to put out first.
Cons: However, there are also several drawbacks to working from home. For one, you can easily get distracted by household tasks. While doing the laundry in between meetings might not seem like a lot, not everyone can handle the amount of context switching necessary to remain productive.
In addition, if you're not used to working from home, it can also be easy to let your work bleed into your personal life or vice versa. With no set hours, a lack of discipline can lead to overworking. Additionally, you may find it hard to stay motivated when there's no one else around to push you.
For extroverts, the experience of working from home can also be lonely and draining. Not to mention, your space may not be conducive for work, such as poor internet connection, hard chairs, limited lighting, and so on, unless you have the budget to spare for it.
The Pros and Cons of Working in a Co-Working Space
Pros: On the other hand, there are also several benefits of working from a co-working space. For starters, you'll have a built-in support system of other professionals. Compared to traditional office spaces, co-working spaces are designed with communities in mind.
Often, co-working will have numerous events throughout the year, which can be great for networking, finding new opportunities, or even just making friends. Co-working spaces also offer a place to meet clients in a neutral environment.
Additionally, you'll have a designated workspace that's separate from your home, which can help with productivity. Typically, co-working spaces will have the facilities necessary for you to print, laminate, photocopy or do other office-related needs.
Cons: On the other hand, there are also various drawbacks to working from a co-working space. For one, the cost can be prohibitive for some people. While there is an extensive range of prices when it comes to co-working spaces, it's still a step-up from your home, which is typically a sunk cost or free.
Also, you may not have as much control over your environment in a co-working space as you would if you were working from home. For example, someone in your co-working space may be having a loud argument over a Zoom call or holding up at the queue at the microwave.
Key Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing Your Work Space
In reality, people will have their individual preferences based on their personality, type of work, and other needs. With this, it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Here are a few things that you should consider.
What to Consider When Working From Home
If you're considering working from home, ask yourself these questions:
- How does my commute compare to other options?
- How much would I save on childcare?
- Can I stay focused and productive in my home environment?
- Do I have the right setup at home to support my work?
If you can answer yes to most of these questions, working from home may be a great option for you.
What to Consider When Working From a Co-Working Space
On the other hand, before deciding to start working in a co-working space, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I want to be around other people while I work?
- What type of environment do I need to focus on and get my work done?
- Can I handle distractions, or am I someone who requires complete silence when they work?
- How much can I afford to spend on rent/membership?
- What are the hours of the co-working space?
- Is the location convenient for me to get to?
Once you have gone through these questions, you can have a better idea if a co-working space is a healthier place for you to conduct your work.
Work From Home or Co-Working Space: Which Is the Best for You?
Ultimately, the best answer to that question depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're someone who likes to be surrounded by people and enjoys a lively office culture, then a co-working space is probably right for you.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to work in peace and quiet, and you don't mind not having as many social interactions, then a work from home job may be a better fit. Either way, having the choice to do either is always a good problem to have. Although, it's important to understand that your needs may also change with time.
Depending on the stage you are at in life or the nature of your career, you may want to either spend more time at home or in a co-working space. With this, there's no right option for everyone, so it's essential to try out both options and see which one makes the most sense for you.