By Fernando Berrocal

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COVID-19 had a huge significant influence on the world and it has forced people to adjust to new ways of doing different things in their everyday lives. One of the most important shifts has been the way individuals manage their work lifestyle. The different lockdowns around the world and “social isolation” have made that most of the workers have resorted to work from their homes instead of in a physical workplace.

Now that things are slowly returning to “normal”, many businesses across the globe must choose whether to allow their workers to continue working from home or ask them to return to an office full time job. The notion of returning to the workplace has prompted a great deal of discussion among all types of corporations, employees, and entrepreneurs alike.

Many individuals are still unwilling to return to work to a physical space, and both employees and employers are recognizing that offices are no longer necessary. Around 97% of employees do not want to return to work and instead want to continue to work from home. With “remote, hybrid, and office work” all being available choices thanks to the recent technological improvements, it may be tough for entrepreneurs to decide which is the best option for their startups.

1. Working at the office: Working in the office was the norm prior to Covid's introduction. It's no surprise that office work has been king up until recently, with workplaces providing a designated place to work and be productive. Face-to-face interactions between team members contribute in the establishment and improvement of working relationships. This conventional environment is undoubtedly productive, and it may be advantageous to startups for a variety of ways.

Advantages of Working in an Office:

• Clearly defined workspace and hours: An office is a place where employees spend the majority of their time. There is a distinct sense of time in the office, and employers can count on their staff to work and be productive. This is extremely advantageous for startups since it shows that they are getting the most out of their workers. Employees will be able to set limits and achieve a good work-life balance as a result.

• Face-to-face interaction contributes to the formation of a strong team: Employees who can connect with their co-worker’s face to face have a higher chance of getting to know them personally, working collaboratively with them, and brainstorming. These contacts are crucial in creating trust and camaraderie, both of which are crucial in promoting teamwork. Employees who work together are more likely to remain engaged and deliver high-quality work.

Disadvantages of Working in an Office:

• Increases workplace anxiety and stress:  Working in an office has several drawbacks, one of which is that it may lead to “employee anxiety”. Pressure from supervisors and clients, dealing with problematic teammates, and a lack of control over the office environment can all contribute to exhaustion. 

• Businesses must pay for office space: The office leasing is a significant operating cost for a business. Having an office also means paying monthly utility bills, which may be taxing, especially for a small firm. Committing to long-term leases is a risk for emerging enterprises operating on a tight budget.

2. Working Remotely: Technology has opened up a world of possibilities in the workspace atmosphere, allowing for remote collaboration. Businesses have altered their operations and implemented remote working to most of their staff as a result of the unexpected rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to the discovery that the majority of occupations can be done from home, and people can be just as productive. Even some employees would rather quit their present job than return to work in an office. On the other hand, some businesses are still on the edge if remote work is effective for them or not and are weighing their pros and cons.

Advantages of Working Remotely:

• Saves money for employers and employees: Startups must be smart in how they spend their capital, especially in the early phases. The operating costs of having a physical office might impair a startup's capacity to survive long-term and become successful, which are frightening for startups with limited funds. A virtual office may help entrepreneurs and their workers decrease risks by lowering costs.

• More Adaptability:  Working at an office has always been difficult due to a lack of flexibility. Unlike office employment, remote work allows employees to customize their working environment.  This implies they'll be able to strike a better balance between their personal and professional lives, resulting in a higher quality of life.

Disadvantages of Working Remotely:

• Less interaction among the team members:  Because no in-person meetings are held, some employees may miss out on a casual conversation that takes place in the office. Employee disengagement may be caused by a lack of team contact, and employees with poor morale are less likely to find meaning in their job and are less productive.

• There is less responsibility: Because it eliminates the chance for monitoring or oversight, working at home can be damaging to one's work ethic, productivity, and responsibility. Make sure that staff are engaged and that they are aware of the expectations that are expected of them. Managers must go above and beyond in providing performance reviews and establishing effective employee communication.

3. Conclusion: Remote work is possible and may be quite successful, as the epidemic has demonstrated. However, it has also demonstrated the importance of face-to-face encounters. While it is hard to declare that one strategy is superior to the other, both have advantages and disadvantages. Startups have the advantage of picking whatever work style best suits their organization.

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