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Working from home isn’t about rolling out of bed, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes, and booting up your computer. It’s about balancing the two: work and home. With more and more companies allowing their employees to work remotely outside the office, it’s become a huge perk. Let’s explore the pros and cons. 

Pros

Cut down your daily commute

Living close to work is a luxury that not many of us have. Commuting by train or driving into work can test your patience—especially during the long, snowy, Canadian winters. Working from home allows for rush-hour breathers during the week. So, no more gridlock on the Gardiner, fighting for parking at the GO station, or playing sardines on the TTC.

Dress to impress? N/A

Unless your company invests in ergo-dynamic office furniture, chances are you probably sit in a regular office chair. One that’s uncomfortable after long stretches, especially in work clothes. At home, pull on your pjs, sweats, your ratty university frosh t-shirt—it doesn’t matter. In other words, at home, you can wear what you want.

Work on your own schedule

Companies are also encouraging schedules based on flex hours. It works like this: “We don’t care where you do it, just get your work done.” Meaning, as long as you’re a contributing, high-functioning member of the company, you can work wherever you want. Working on your own schedule means that while you’re working from home, you can also be doing a load of laundry. It’s multitasking at its best.

Cons

Just how disciplined are you?

Take a look around your home; it’s full of distractions! From chores, to the TV, Internet, and a pantry full of snacks—they’re everywhere. If you’re working from home, you need a clutter-free area where you can concentrate for both short and long periods of time. Set aside breaks to do the dishes, but remember, you’re still on the company clock.

You’re out of the office loop

Face time is important. Not the Apple application, but face-to-face interaction with coworkers. The solution may be to work only a day or two at home, and the rest in the office; or you can make a conscious decision to socialize with your peers. You’re not part of the team if you’re shut in at home, so don’t forget to go that extra mile. Especially, since you don’t have to on the days you’re working from home.

Work = home = work

Just because you have your “home office,” doesn’t mean that home = work. If you have a significant other or kids, this will be your downfall. Get your work done when you’re supposed to, and enjoy the time you have “after” work.

The bottom line is this: working at home can be the ideal solution to a healthy work-life balance, but it isn’t without downfalls. Weigh out the pros and cons, and discuss them with your boss. If you can present a solid case on why you should be working from home one or more days a week, you may find yourself rolling out of bed and into your home office in no time.*

*Dependent entirely on your work culture/rules, of course. Every company is different, and we realize that. But hey, it’s worth a shot.