Do we all need to get back to the office?

If you're like most people, the shift to working from home during the pandemic was a game-changer. What was once seen as a temporary measure quickly became the new normal for millions of employees.

However, there are some concerns that come with a fully remote workforce.

For instance, those working from home can feel isolated, missing out on social interactions and the collaborative atmosphere that an office provides.

In some cases, the lack of direct supervision can lead to a breakdown in team cohesion, as workers might not feel as engaged or motivated.

Some employers have concerns that without face-to-face interactions, it's harder to build the kind of camaraderie that fosters creativity and innovation.

Last month, Lord Rose, the former boss of Marks & Spencer and Asda, told BBC Panorama that home working was part of the UK economy's "general decline" and employees' productivity was suffering. He continued to say, "We have regressed in this country in terms of working practices, productivity and in terms of the country's wellbeing, I think, by 20 years in the last four."

The BBC recently reported 'In a November 2024 GB snapshot survey by the Office for National Statistics, 26% of people said they had been hybrid-working in the prior seven days, with some days in the workplace and some days at home - while 14% had been fully remote and 41% had commuted to their workplace every day (the remainder were not working in the week surveyed).

The shift to working from home has transformed local economies. Industry estimates indicate that vacant office space has nearly doubled since the pandemic, a quarter of dry-cleaning businesses have shut down, and the number of golf games played during the working week has risen 350% - suggesting some people are mixing work and pleasure.'

So, why should we NOT all head back to the office and what are the benefits of working with someone who works remotely?

1. Cost Savings

When you hire a freelancer who works remotely, you’re typically paying for the work itself, not the overhead.

Plus, by working with someone who works from home, there’s no need to invest in office space, equipment, or pay for benefits like you would with a full-time employee.

Freelancers working from home generally cover their own equipment and office expenses. This means you’re not responsible for providing them with an office, a computer, or any of the other infrastructure that comes with in-house employees.

2. Access to global talent

When you’re not confined to an in-house, local talent pool, the world becomes your oyster. Hiring remote workers gives you the ability to tap into an extensive range of expertise from all areas.

3. Increased flexibility and scalability

Freelancer remote workers are a great solution when you need extra help on a short-term or flexible basis. You can scale your team up or down depending on project demands, without the long-term commitment that comes with hiring a full-time employee. This means you can quickly bring someone on board for a particular task - whether it’s a one-time project or seasonal work. You only pay for the work you need, when you need it.

4. Faster turnaround times

Those who work from home often have the flexibility to manage their schedules in ways that allow them to respond faster to your needs. Since they are typically working with a more flexible schedule and fewer distractions than an in-office employee, they can offer quicker turnaround times on projects. This speed can be a huge advantage if you’re in a time-sensitive industry or need to meet tight deadlines.

5. Work-life balance and motivation

Those who work from home often enjoy a better work-life balance, which can translate into higher levels of job satisfaction and motivation. AND since many freelancers have more control over their work environment and hours, they tend to be more committed to their work.

So, is working from home the future?

While there are definitely challenges to remote work, the benefits are clear - and for many, they outweigh the negatives. It’s also important to remember that hybrid models may offer a perfect middle ground. 

Remote work is all about finding the balance that works for both everyone while ensuring that everyone feels supported and engaged, no matter where they’re logging in from.