For workers just starting out, remote has some disadvantages
By Mikayla Thompson
In recent years, the number of early career professionals working remotely has soared. While I could list a lot of nice things about working from home, there are also many advantages to working in an office environment with colleagues. Admittedly, I have not endured decades of the grinding commutes, office politics and cubicles that some workforce veterans lament. Yet it strikes me that working in the office as a newly-minted university graduate provides young employees with key tools that they will carry with them throughout their entire professional career.
As a college student preparing to graduate in the next year, I have been paying close attention to the job market and what it has to offer in terms of work location, salary and company culture. When surveying the job openings available, I find a wide variety of jobs being offered as remote positions and I know many young professionals leap at these opportunities to work from home. As someone who has had the opportunity to work in both an in-person professional setting, as well as a remote professional setting, I can say with confidence that there are important work development skills that can only be learned by working face-to-face with human colleagues.
Collaborating with co-workers in an office setting provides young people with a wealth of opportunities for professional development, including exposure to office culture, the ability to create healthy relationships with co-workers, and to develop a healthy work – life balance. In an office environment, there is usually a team of experienced colleagues who can provide guidance and mentorship. In addition, being in an office environment can provide exposure to different aspects of the business, which can broaden one’s skill set and help them to develop into a more well-rounded professional.
Another one of the most significant benefits of working in an office is the opportunity for social interaction and networking, I met one of my best friends working at an on-site job. Working remotely can be isolating, young people who work from home may miss out on the social and networking opportunities that come with working in an office environment. In an office, there are often opportunities to socialize and network with colleagues, which can lead to new friendships, professional connections and potential job opportunities down the line.
Working in an office provides young people with access to resources and technology that may not be available when working from home. In an office environment, there are often specialized tools and equipment that can help young professionals to be more productive and efficient in their work. In addition, working in an office can provide access to software, databases, and other resources that may not be available when working remotely.
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While working from home can provide more flexibility in terms of scheduling, it can also make it challenging to separate work and personal life. For young people who are just starting their careers, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance when working from home. In an office environment, there is often a clear separation between work and personal life, which can help young professionals to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Many recent graduates or soon to be graduates like myself are still living at home, with an office set up in their bedroom. Since the pandemic, there have been many studies that have come out stating that having an office space inside your bedroom blurs the lines that separate work and relaxation.
When working from home, it can be challenging to stay focused and productive. For young people who are just starting their careers, this can be especially challenging. Working in an office provides greater accountability and can help to improve productivity. Being in an office environment can also provide more structure and routine, which can be beneficial for young professionals who are just starting their careers.
While working from home has its benefits, there are also many advantages to working in an office environment. Working in an office can provide young professionals with opportunities for professional development, social interaction and networking, improved work-life balance, access to resources and technology, and greater accountability and productivity. Ultimately, the decision of whether to work from home or in an office will depend on personal preferences and individual circumstances.
Mikayla Thompson an intern working – remotely – with Microshare’s marketing department.