Home based businesses are becoming very popular and it is the fastest growing form of business start-ups. Home office is a dream for professionals, who seek a better work-life balance. Many companies adopt flexible policies by shifting workplace to home office option. Employees consider it as a perfect option for remaining in an established company and getting all tangible benefits as well. Here is an analysis of the benefits and pitfalls of home office option.

Advantages

Going to work is associated with lots of hidden costs, which include costs for commuting, fuel, car wear and tear, parking, road taxes, dry cleaning, expensive professional wardrobes, etc. You may also spend money for caring your younger and older children. Entrusting the care of your child to someone else is costly and risky too. You can avoid all these costs if you choose home office option.

Flexibility

Flexibility does not relate to your working schedule only. Besides, it also provides you the flexibility to determine your mood, setting, temperature, lighting, environment and you can make your home office as the happiest and most productive.

Less Distraction

Work from home is also beneficial for avoiding unnecessary interruptions, distractions and banter from your co-workers. It will also allow you to cancel unimportant meetings. Any possible interruptions can be barricaded if you work from your home.

Better Work-Life Balance

A better work-life balance is the aspiration of modern professionals. You can achieve the most optimal work-life balance if you work from your home.

Better Health

Long commutes to and from workplace adversely affect your physical and mental health. It is also highly stressful too. You can save your commuting time if you work from your home. The saved commuting time can be used for doing physical exercises.

Bumper-to-bumper traffic during rush hours is extremely stressful. The stress increases if your workplace is too far. Unfriendly co-workers, constant distractions, suboptimal work environment, etc are the other major causes of stress. Home office is a solution for all these problems.

More Productivity

Removing workplace distractions and stresses is highly effective for improving the productivity of employees. If they work independently in their own environment, professionals will be happier and more productive. Home office is highly beneficial for parents because it allows them to be with their children whenever necessary.

Drawbacks of Home Office

Isolation

Isolation and loneliness are the major drawbacks of home office. Many work from home professionals complain that this option segregates them from their bosses and colleagues. Sometimes, the loneliness is highly depressing. Workplace is a location for meeting people and making friendships. It is also a place for more creativity and resourceful.

Distractions

 

Home office helps you to avoid office distractions. However, it invites some other distractions, such as interruptions from children, family, friends, neighbors, work, etc. These are highly disruptive and you need special efforts to overcome all these factors if you work from home.

Difficulties in Separating Home from Work

Temptation for engaging in household matters will be very strong if you work from your home. You may soon be obliged to clean the home, cooking, childcare, shopping, home finances, etc. Therefore, it is essential to draw a line between your work and home for avoiding the sufferings of both areas.

Endless Work
When you work from your home, there is nobody to overlook your work. However, you may enforce strict hours for working. So, you may be tempted to do work endlessly. The employers expect more productivity from home office professionals. Lack of physical separation from home and office intensifies the stress. When you work from your home, you will also be alienated from the daily company developments, such as new business, staff changes, new competitive intelligence, changes in company direction, etc.

Less Career Development opportunities

Opportunity for developing your career is very less in home office option. Regular visit to office and an open communication with management are essential for getting job promotion and development in your career. If you do not get proper rewards from employers, it may lead to out-of-sight-out-of-mind syndrome.

Home office is not an option for all. It is suitable for people with high level of dedication, discipline, motivation, perseverance, and self control. Instead of complete segregation, you can seek for a partial arrangement like visiting your office once or twice in a week. It allows you to interact closely with your colleagues and supervisors and you can also remain in touch with company developments. All these factors are helpful for making your home office more convenient.