There are a lot of discussions about which style, WFH or WFO, is better to use. We need to define what we mean by “better” before we get into the specifics.
Before you read on and find out why I think it is better to use the WFO method over the WFH method, let me just go ahead and say that I am in no way biased towards one system or another.
What I’m saying is based solely on my general observations of both methods, how they work with people’s lifestyles, their effectiveness at maximizing productivity and minimizing distractions at work versus home and looking for ways to make this whole process easier for all concerned parties involved.
The WFH system is considered by many to be more of a personal process than the WFO system. Working in small increments, as opposed to large blocks of time, is seen as a way of making it easy for workers to organize their time and commitments.
To start with this method, I think you must have a relatively rigid schedule before beginning any organization regimen with your time and energy.
But this might not be the case for all people who do not work traditional 9 to 5 jobs. Many people I know prefer this method because they are more comfortable with having more freedom when working in an office or working from home. Some, including myself, are more comfortable with this method’s structure.
Table of Contents
What is WFH?
WFH stands for Work From Home. It is when employees work from the comfort of their own home, at whatever hours they want to work. This type of work often benefits employees by giving them more flexibility in scheduling and allowing them to care for their families or have a personal life outside work.
What is WFO?
WFO stands for Work From Office. It is when an employee works from the address listed on their job contract. This work generally benefits employers by giving them more structure and a professional work environment.
Advantages and disadvantages of WFH
Advantages:
- You don’t have to get ready in the morning, and you can stay in your pajamas as long as you want. There is no rush to get on the road.
- No commute time is wasted, and you will spend less on transportation, coffee, and food.
Disadvantages:
- You might not be as productive at home because you are not in the same environment as at work.
- Your home might not be conducive to working. You may notice that things distract you or feel more lethargic when you work from home.
- You pay taxes on this income if it is a regular income (not a bonus).
- Your employer might be upset that you are working from home
What is WFO?
WFO stands for Work From Office. It is when an employee works from the address listed on their job contract. This work generally benefits employers by giving them more structure and a professional work environment.
Advantages and disadvantages of WFO
Advantages:
- You don’t have to get ready in the morning, and you can stay in your pajamas as long as you want. There is no rush to get on the road.
- No commute time is wasted, and you will spend less on transportation, coffee, and food.
Disadvantages:
- You might not be as productive at home because you are not in the same environment as at work.
- Your home might not be conducive to working. You may notice that things distract you or feel more lethargic when you work from home.
- You pay taxes on this income if it is a regular income (not a bonus).
- Your employer might be upset that you are working from home
Which is better, WFH or WFO.
The case for WFO
There are many reasons that WFO is better than working WFH. Here are some of the reasons that put WFO over the top:
1. A Professional Work Environment
A professional, work-oriented environment is healthier and more productive than a home office: you should never underestimate this value. It is easier to stay on task when you are around people who share your goals and ideas all day long.
You can talk about anything and everything related to work with your co-workers non-judgemental. You won’t feel nervous to ask questions, and your co-workers will learn more about what you want to do.
2. No Commute
No commute! The most significant benefit of WFO is that it allows you to work from anywhere in the world, not just one specific location. You could be in Toronto working from Hong Kong, and your co-workers would never know! Realize how important this is: if you don’t have a say on where you work, why would they need to care if you are happy or not?
3. Get paid More
You get paid . . . a lot more of it. The primary benefit of WFO is getting paid more. It is much easier to earn money when you’re on time and in the same location daily. This means you can pay your mortgage and utilities and keep up with your family’s needs.
4. A Boss to support you
A boss who cares about you: people at home often don’t believe they can be treated as well as those at work. This isn’t necessarily true; sometimes, it’s not easy to do so if your office has no boundaries or a transparent system for management.
When you are in the same building every day and work in a very structured environment where standards are enforced, it becomes easier for employees to feel appreciated, rewarded, and respected.
5. More working experience
Experience: more experience means getting better jobs, going higher up the corporate ladder, and making more money. Working among fellow employees and colleagues exposes you to more learning and experience, which can only be gained in an Office setup.
The case for WFH
Some reasons favor working WFH too:
1. Better work-life balance
A better work-life balance is probably the most crucial factor in deciding whether you should work at home or not. Working from home could promote a healthy lifestyle, allowing you to spend more time with your family, care for your children or take a break during the day to meditate or exercise.
Working from home benefits those recovering from an injury or illness by allowing them to recuperate at their own pace without any pressure to return to work too quickly.
2. WFM gives you more Flexibility
Working from home often allows you to work with more flexibility. There is no time wasted commuting, and you can get better at managing your time and focus. You are also more comfortable in your surroundings.
You can organize your environment however you want, whether by using inspirational posters, creating a pleasant and tidy office, or even bringing in some things from home (i.e., toys or pets).
3. No commute and Stress
You may find that working from home means avoiding stressors like long commutes, people who are stressed out at work, or even loud office environments. Conversely, working from home could mean you remain lonely or isolated, which might not be healthy for your mental health or general well-being.
4. Less interaction with Boss and Public
You might not have to deal with colleagues or your boss as much when working from home, which could be good if you are someone who finds it difficult to express yourself in a public setting.
5. Avoid Distractions in the office
Working from home might make avoiding distractions in your workspace easier. You can control the environment surrounding you and ensure that people in the office are not bothering you by turning off your phone, computer, or music.
Employees often like working from home as a change of pace from every day at work. They do this to take a break and get their minds off what they have been doing all day.
You might be able to extend your working hours and maybe even avoid meetings altogether. This could be good if you have a lot of projects that need to be completed by a certain time, and you are the only person who can get them done.
6. Faster work delivery
Working from home might mean you can work faster than your counterparts in an office. Just imagine how many things you can accomplish if all you have to do is focus on the task at hand and not what’s going on in the rest of your life!
Some people like working from home or delegating their responsibilities easier when they are not confined to a workplace with a strict culture or hierarchy.
7. More Productivity
You may be more productive and focused in a comfortable environment. If you like to take a better nap during the day or relax after work, then working from home is the place for you.
Reaching everyone and everyone reaching you, it can be challenging to get information in an office setting without making lots of noise and bothering everyone else. In WFH, this isn’t a problem either since you are in your environment, often with the door closed if you wish.
You might be able to get more work done if you have no one else to distract you or allow you to avoid distractions. Instead of watching the regular 3-hour news broadcast daily, you can spend that time getting things done!
Working from home might be ideal if you don’t like being around other people or find it difficult to concentrate around people. This will allow you to isolate yourself and focus on the task without being distracted by a colleague or supervisor.
8. More control
Working from home allows you to have some degree of control over what happens in your life when it comes to finances. For instance, you might be able to save or invest your money or even spend it on a nice vacation or extra expenses. Furthermore, working from home means you are in charge of yourself and your time, which is a very freeing feeling.
Working from home could be good if the job itself isn’t that exciting and you wish to take a break to recharge your batteries.
If you have kids, working in an office with lots of distractions when they are young can be more difficult. Working from home allows you to be at home if anything goes wrong with your kids, and you can become more involved in their day-to-day life.
You might find that working from home is better if you are a loner or don’t interact well with others. Some people who don’t like communicating with others will love working in a quiet environment, without the pressure of making small talk or having awkward conversations.
You might also find that working from home is ideal for those who do not like big hierarchies and are good at independently managing themselves. These people find that working from home allows them to work without the usual politics, deadlines, and stressors of working at a corporate office.
You might also find that working from home is ideal for someone who likes to take breaks or works better in short spurts throughout the day. If this is the case, working from home is much better than being stuck in the office with a long commute and a rigid structure.
9. More free time
Many people enjoy working from home because they value their free time to do what they want instead of going to the office.
If you are someone who often works through lunch or doesn’t like eating in the office cafeteria, you might find that working from home is better by allowing you to bring your lunch and eat at your desk.
You might also find that working from home is good for someone who does not like to work in a rigid hierarchy with deadlines and being micromanaged by your boss. Some people simply want to do their own thing and not worry about other people’s actions.
10. More Time for Hobbies
Working from home might mean you have more time to spend on your hobbies and the things you enjoy while not having to go to the office. If you can work independently, working from home can be ideal if you want to be a stay-at-home parent or spend time helping out with family commitments.
You might find that working from home is ideal for an extrovert who doesn’t mind talking to colleagues and friends since you will be exposed to more people throughout the day.
11. Some extra Income
Working from home can also be an excellent way to earn extra income on the side if you already have a job or career. This is ideal for someone with a desk job who doesn’t need additional vacation time.
This list could probably go on forever, but I think I have given you enough ideas to help you figure out whether or not working from home is ideal for your situation, needs, and personality.
Some people might not like working from home, as they might prefer social interactions in an office or public place. Other people might love it and wish they could work from home full time.
If you decide to try working from home, you need to know that there is more to it than the average job. Working from home is different from a typical 9-5 desk job because you are responsible for yourself, your environment, and keeping yourself focused and disciplined. When you have limited distractions, you can have a lot of free time and may procrastinate during the day or find it difficult to leave your home office when it’s time to go out.
Conclusion
Working from home is a convenient way to balance a job and home life without sacrificing any benefits. Working from home might be ideal if you are concerned about being productive in the workplace. Working from home doesn’t mean you are selfish and won’t interact with others. It simply means you can ensure you are on top of your game without having to answer someone else or be interrupted by another person’s schedule.
