First published: May 23, 2022 @ 6:00 pm
Remote work is a hot topic in the workplace today. It is becoming more and more popular as flexible work arrangements.
The benefits of remote work include increased productivity, increased flexibility, and increased job satisfaction.
However, a new contender has appeared to take the crown off remote working. More and more companies offer flexible work schedule benefits, including remote work.
While most remote working positions offer flexible hours, now that office job allows similar privileges, it is being promoted as the better option.
Why?
In this article, we’re going to talk about the pros and cons of remote working vs flexible working hours, and which one will fit your employees more.
First, let’s look at the benefits of remote working.
Remote Working
Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash
Pros
Increased productivity
While working from home can be beneficial for some, it’s even more beneficial for those who work from home every day.
People who work from home every day are more productive than people who do not.
They can get things done that are important to them, whether it’s making dinner, watching a movie, or working on their projects.
Remote working can help to increase productivity for people who already work from home.
Increased flexibility
People often like the flexibility of remote working better than flexible work hours options that have fixed start and end times each week.
This is because the flexible schedules allow them to have a set schedule and set hours each week, while still having flexibility on the weekends and at night when they’re ready to leave early or stay late at night.
Remote working can allow employees to work from home when they’re ready, rather than having to go into the office at a set time each day.
Increased job satisfaction
A lot of remote working positions offer benefits like health insurance and even stock options.
While companies do not offer these benefits in every remote working position, it is common for many remote workers to receive some type of compensation besides their salary.
Remote workers have higher job satisfaction than those who carry out traditional 9-5 positions. They are more likely to feel that they have more control over their performance and less stress than those who work traditional 9-5 jobs.
Cons
Feeling of isolation
Remote workers often have no contact with co-workers. Some people may find this lack of contact difficult, as they may miss being able to go out for lunch or discuss personal issues with co-workers outside of the office.
However, since remote workers do not always have daily contact with co-workers, this can lead them to feel isolated from co-workers and not be able to share experiences or problems that arise from their jobs.
Distraction at home
While some people enjoy the privacy that remote working offers, it can be difficult for some people to focus on their work if things like children, pets, or other things also distracted them at home.
This may lead to reduced employee performance.
If you work from home, you may find that it is difficult to stay focused on your work when other things are distracting you at home.
It’s also hard for you to maintain a work-life balance since you do your work at home.
Cost
Remote working is not always free.
While some remote working positions offer remote workers a basic salary and nothing else, many employees require additional compensation for benefits like health insurance.
Unfortunately, many remote working companies don’t give their employees these benefits.
Flexible Work Hours
Photo by Jazmin Quaynor on Unsplash.
Pros
Flexibility
Some remote jobs still require that employees show up at a certain time each day. Some people may find this type of schedule stressful and difficult to adjust to. However, many people prefer the flexibility of flexible work hours over remote working.
Convenience
Many traditional 9-5 jobs don’t allow employees to choose their schedule each week. With flexible work hours, employees can have a much more customized schedule each week.
Employees can choose when they want to start and end their shifts each week, allowing them to make plans for themselves on the weekends or after working a long day during the week.
The flexible working arrangements also allow employees more freedom in what they do during the week as well as how much time they spend working on personal projects at home.
Cater for urgent business
Employees with children or older people in their care sometimes can’t follow rigid office work schedules. They may have to leave earlier to pick up their children from school or arrive late to bring the grandparents to the hospitals.
Flexible work hours allow these employees to make personal lives plan and then adjust their schedules as needed.
Cons
It’s not for everyone
Office workers usually prefer the type of schedule that comes with traditional 9-5 jobs.
Some people may not be able to handle flexible work hours at all.
This is especially true for those who are used to rigid schedules and strict working hours each day.
Time management
With flexible work options, employees have more freedom to decide how they spend their time each day.
This can lead to less time being spent on tasks that are unimportant or do not require a lot of attention from the employee.
This can also lead to more stress, as employees find themselves not getting everything they want to get done during the week.
Flexible work policies often lead to less time being spent on work-related tasks and more time being spent on personal projects and other things outside of work.
Which One is the Best for Your Employees?
Overall, both remote working and flexible work hours are great options for employees. While some people prefer one over the other, it is important to remember that each option has its benefits and drawbacks.
In general, it is important to keep in mind that both remote working and flexible work hours are great options for employees.
The type of schedule that works best for your employees depends on a variety of factors.
This includes their preference for a rigid schedule or the flexibility they need at home or work.
It also depends on how busy they are during the week and what kinds of tasks they need to get done during their off time.
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