By Arina Smith
Telecommuting is very rapidly becoming a common work arrangement for many companies and businesses. In today’s world, with all our advances in technology and communication, it is now easier than ever to work remotely or from home instead of in a traditional office setup. But is telecommuting the right way of working for you? Here are some pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros and Cons of Telecommuting:
Pros:
Telecommuting often allows employees and workers to be more productive. This is especially true when they are working in an environment of their choice that they feel completely comfortable in, without the usual distractions and discomforts of traditional office space. Whether you choose to work out of your house, in a quiet coffee shop, or a coworking space like Common Desk, but it is recommended you find a conducive space for working that will allow you to concentrate fully on your work.
Many telecommuters prefer to work in a coworking space like the Common Desk because they are fully equipped with all the amenities you’d need to do your work effectively, with the added benefit of also offering a community of like-minded professionals and individuals who can stimulate your creativity and productivity. Common Desk has office spaces in Fort Worth, Plano, and Deep Ellum among others, so if you live in the area, this may be the best option for you.
Telecommuting is cost effective for both employers and employees, as employers can save money on real estate, office supplies, furniture, and other expenses. Meanwhile, employees can save a tidy little sun in transportation expenses such as gas or public transportation fares.
Workers who telecommute are also more likely to be engaged with their work and are reportedly happier and more productive than traditional employees.
Cons:
So far, so good, and it does not really seem like there is a downside to telecommuting. However, it does come with some major drawbacks.
Working outside the office can make it difficult to set and maintain clear boundaries between work and your personal life. In a traditional office, you have a specified work schedule, and you have physical office walls to clearly define your workspace.
When you work from home, the lines can get a bit blurred, and you may have to contend with your children or other family members interrupting you while you work. It can also be hard if you work out of coffee shops and libraries, and don’t have a permanent space to keep your work-related documents, files or equipment.
Telecommuting can also be isolating, especially if you work from home. It can get lonely to work without colleagues around you to interact with and bounce ideas off. Sometimes it helps just to have someone to talk to who can relate to what you do and what you are struggling with, and a friend or family member may not always be able to help you with this. Lack of collaboration can eventually make you feel stagnant and stale.
These are just some of the benefits and drawbacks of telecommuting for you to consider and decide whether this way of working is for you. At the end of the day, everyone has their own style of working that suits them best and that can help them be most productive. Telecommuting is just one of many options.
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