Thanks to technology, people are now able to work from practically anywhere in the world at any time. There’s more than four million employees in the UK who all work from the comfort of their own home. Seen as a great way to reduce absences and boost employee satisfaction, many companies have adopted this flexible way of working into their policies.
However, could this remote way of working be negatively affecting workplace morale?
Studies show work from home benefits are short term
Initially, working from home is exciting and highly satisfying for employees. Therefore, they’re typically keen to show their appreciation for being given the opportunity to work from home by working extra hard. Unfortunately, the motivation doesn’t last long and research has shown that after a set time period, remote workers perform no better than office-based workers.
In fact, after a while employees start to notice a few disadvantages which come with working from home. Additional use of electricity and heating can push the monthly bills up, making it more expensive to work from home than it is to commute to the office. However, it’s the effect on staff morale which really suffers.
If some employees are allowed to work from home but others aren’t, it creates an unfair system. Those stuck in the office can feel left out and unappreciated, in turn this can significantly affect their morale. However, it isn’t just the people left in the office who suffer either. After a while, working from home can become quite isolating. The temptation to get distracted by other non-work tasks can start to affect an employees ability to work productively.
In short, if there are no clear work from home policies, it can have a really negative impact on staff morale.
Could it make your workforce happier?
There are a lot of studies and research that suggest flexible working options for employees can increase happiness and avoid other things like stress and work overload. While it may be hard for some employees to do, others can create the perfect workspace to help them with their productivity levels for remote working. While there is a lot of evidence that suggests working from home can be less productive on the whole, some have said the flexibility has allowed them to balance their home and working life more effectively.
Serviced offices could be a good alternative
There’s no denying working remotely has many potential benefits if organised correctly. However, there is an alternative which could work out much more effectively.
Serviced offices are proving to be a really popular option for businesses. They come with a huge range of benefits. Firstly, they offer a modern, comfortable environment and are expertly designed to encourage motivation and productivity. They also come with absolutely everything you need to run a successful business. All of the equipment is high-tech and included in the rental cost.
Providing a clean, fresh and exciting environment can really help to boost morale. What’s more, you can afford to rent an office in a more sought-after location; significantly boosting profits. Buying an office in one of London’s sought-after areas isn’t an option for the majority of businesses. So, having the opportunity to rent out office space in the capital enables businesses to reap the benefits without breaking the bank.
Overall, working from home can have great benefits both for a business and the employee. However, if you’ve noticed that it has started to affect your staff’s morale, it may be worth considering other alternatives. Serviced offices are a fantastic option and you may be surprised just how affordable they can be.
