Working-from-Home or Working-in-Office? Which One Works?

Working-from-Home used to be an ideal that professionals dream of realising.

Now that we got what we wanted, is it as sexy as we thought it would be?

Fortunately for us, we no longer need to postulate an outcome that primarily idealistic as COVID-19 has turned ideals into reality.

I am personally on a Work-From-Home since February 2020. Short of celebrating a 6-month milestone working in the comforts of my home, I thought it would be a perfect time to reflect on this alternative arrangement that has gone mainstream.

We have to ask ourselves if this set of policy driven changes has led to higher productivity levels and minimal disruptions. We also need to look within ourselves as deeply as possible, as honest as possible whether Working-from-Home is truly the better alternative in replacement of Working-in-Office and whether the benefits outweigh the unique set of challenges that arises.

Drastically Less Social Disruptions … or Interactions?

Just being very honest here.

Why do people prefer to solve their satiety problem in an eatery or a restaurant when whipping up a simple meal at home is now a reality?

In some sense, if we could have dumbbells, pull-up bars and medicine ball at the corner of our homes — Why do we still find ourselves at the neighbourhood exercise corner or paying a membership subscription for a local gym entry?

That answer is profoundly simple.

We are social animals and we crave direct and indirect interaction with others.

I personally enjoy watching people performing 20 pull-ups in awe. I do also enjoy conversing with my colleagues over lunch for the silliest topics in the World which has absolutely nothing to do with our work at hand.

I enjoy the routine pantry chat which is unplanned and unscheduled.

“Hey man, how is your day? Gosh, I am late submitting the report you need. Let me work on it now. By the way, how is Jimmy?”

Humans thrive on routine and spontaneity. We enjoy random and unscripted conversations that is irrelevant to our families and work.

We crave entertainment and trash talk too. That has always been the anchor of human bondage.

I don’t know about you but I cannot handle kitchen talk or bathroom cleanliness issue discussions the entire day.

Having somewhere to go and hang around with others is brilliant.

It didn’t feel that way previously.

Now it does.

Challenging environment for those who need help the most.

We need to look around and point out those who need the most mentorship and guidance.

Interns, inexperienced new hires and junior level professionals need support.

We cannot assume that they are able to run on their own daily. Yes, I get it. I come from a Consulting background and this environment is known for throwing people into the deep end of the pool, only to fish them out when they cannot deal.

Guess what?

The pool is still there. There is just no one on site to reel them in.

While the communication infrastructure is still intact to connect every working professional via texts and video conferencing — There is just so much in virtual communication that could get lost or edited out when we are working remotely.

At the same time, timeslot hijacks are common and we are all familiar with this scenario.

What happens when the timeslot for mentorship gets hijacked by our direct supervisors and our team members?

Chances are we will connect upwards. Not downwards.

And the funny thing is, the down-lines are those in dire need of support.

Do we have a pantry-occupancy issue or?

Let’s say that we used to have a pantry or toilet issue when we work in an office compound previously.

You know that, I know that.

We know what happens when we are disengaged or disconnected. Maybe we plug in and hop on YouTube. Maybe we do a FaceBook post. Maybe we swing by the pantry to refill our water bottles when it is still 75% filled. Maybe … we just disappear into the toilet cubicle for a nap.

This issue doesn’t go away just because we are Working-from-Home. It is simply manifested into a different form.

Maybe we can get to the refrigerator and pull out an ice-cream. Maybe we should watch the financial news for a moment. Maybe it is time to walk the dog under the sweltering heat. Maybe we can attend the mid-afternoon yoga class over Zoom.

Has anything really changed?

In Conclusion.

Truthfully, I don’t think Working-from-Home is a slam-dunk. While we do enjoy the perks of working with our pyjamas on, not having to commute and having the study room cum office within a few steps— This is a whole new ballgame.

This is especially so for me.

While bosses used to annoy me breathing down my neck, now I have to deal with elders at home who comes to ask questions such as …

“Son, how do I install and use Zoom for my bonsai class?”

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About the Author:

As a Consultant by training, I believe in making the complex simple.

Because simplicity adds value.

Simplicity helps us gain clarity, and clarity helps us to grow.

And if we are not growing, then what’s the point of anything else?

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