Working from Home vs. Working Remotely: Which is Right for You?

The abrupt closure of offices and workspaces due to the pandemic has forced millions to change their work patterns. The orthodoxy of the 9-to-5 work culture is transforming drastically, as remote working and working from home are becoming the new normal. 

Though not seamless, this transition gives employees the freedom to structure their work-life balance as per their preferences.

Research estimates that there could be over 1 billion remote workers by 2035. While this may sound exciting, most people do not understand the difference between working from home and remotely. 

To nail down a better idea of what these terms represent, let’s explore the differences between the approaches and what workers around the globe have to say about it.

Working Remotely

Studies estimate that 63% of high-growth companies have embraced remote working. Think of it this way:

Remote working is a working style that allows professionals to work outside their home and traditional office environment. It is a concept where employees can successfully execute their responsibilities from anywhere.

For instance, you can take advantage of a co-working space in your city or work flexibly from any foreign location as per your preference. 

But does remote working help in driving productivity? Absolutely.

Here are some research findings that support the above statement:

  • According to a study by Mckinsey, more than 20% of the workforce can work efficiently for three to five days a week as effectively as if they are working from an office. 
  • 77% of remote workers report greater efficiency as there were fewer distractions. 
  • 55% of companies globally continue to offer remote work in some capacity even after the pandemic.

While no one likes to experiment abruptly, digital transformation was crucial for business leaders even before the pandemic.

The on-set of COVID-19 has accelerated remote working and proved it to be a successful experiment to engage a global workforce. And it is only going to evolve from here.  

Working from Home

For people with caregiving responsibilities, working from home is an excellent opportunity. Unlike remote work, which offers you the flexibility to function anywhere, this working style restricts you to your home space.

Thankfully, the ever-evolving project resource management tools and video conferencing platforms have helped employees collaborate on multiple projects comfortably from their homes.

The approach allows them to maintain a work-life balance and skip their commute, helping them save time.  

How Do You Pick the Right Approach?

Because of the advances in the business world, companies are becoming more favorable toward a flexible work style. And while both approaches have their benefits, they are not suitable for everyone.

Choosing how you are going to work can be tricky. While the modern workforce is increasingly mobile, they comprise multi-generations with varied needs and responsibilities. When these workers adopt the wrong working style, it can adversely impact their productivity and mental health. 

So, before choosing any of the approaches, you must consider the below factors to make the correct decision!

1. Ensure That You Have the Right Tools

Equipping yourself with the correct hardware and software is critical when working away from the office. Whether you are an entrepreneur setting up your online store from home or an employee working remotely, it is essential to have the right arsenal. Without infrastructure, there is no way you can track your work or meet any deadlines.

If you don’t have a work set-up at home, you can opt for a co-working space to streamline your workflow.

2. Stay Away from Distractions

Having kids play around you or working in a noisy environment can affect your efficiency. A quiet and distraction-free space is vital for effectively communicating with your colleagues and achieving your goals.

So consider creating a workspace with fewer distractions, where you have set clear boundaries.

3. Consider Your Emotional Needs

A rule of thumb is that employees who have familial responsibilities or a long commute prefer working from home.

On the other hand, research shows that millennials flourish in new remote environments and prioritize mental well-being.

In the end, choose an option that best helps you maintain a work-life balance and doesn’t lead to a higher burn-out rate. 

What the Future Holds for Remote/WFH Teams?

The world has experienced a historic shift in the job market because of remote/WFH, and it is here to stay. Instead of resisting change, companies are constantly improving their remote work policies to manage remote teams effectively and retain talents.

The future also holds many exciting opportunities for workers to experiment with their working styles. Research by Gallup shows that many companies are going 100% remote, eradicating rigid workplaces.

The biggest takeaway here is to create a well-oiled set-up that can benefit you in the long term. Once these systems are up and running, you will start enjoying working from home or remote working and meet your professional expectations without any obstacles. 

Piyush Shah
Piyush Shah

Piyush Shah is a six-figure affiliate marketer who has assisted in the growth of many businesses from the ground up. His SEO success has been praised, and his job allows him to work from wherever he wants, which he values.

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