Working remotely and on a hybrid schedule can be the answer to many common problems facing modern workers, but it can also have major disadvantages.

What is the best approach?

Here’s how to know if working remotely or on a hybrid schedule will work best for you, as well as some tips to help you get there!

Benefits of working remotely

1. You can design your ideal workspace

2. You're not limited by geography

3. Increased flexibility and freedom when it comes to hours

4. Fewer distractions from colleagues

5. More focus and concentration due to fewer distractions in general

6. Improved work-life balance

7. Can work more or less depending on personal circumstances, such as childcare needs, parental leave, caregiving responsibilities, etc.

8. Working from home is typically cheaper than working in an office (though there are many exceptions)

9. Spend no time or money on commuting to work- drive/train/bus

10. Makes it easier to be productive and successful (but also easier to fall behind or slack off)

Challenges of working remotely

If you work remotely, you may miss out on some important office bonding time with your co-workers. You also might have a harder time networking and building relationships with people in your industry.

A lot of learning opportunities also come from being with your colleagues or mentors in person. It's exceptionally important that if you're newer to an industry to learn all you can about it and often that is through observation.

Additionally, working from home can be distracting if you have kids or pets, and if you have chores you need to do that you may choose over work for your job.

On the other hand, some may find themselves working more hours since it's harder to clock out at the end of the day.

Industry needs

The question of whether or not to work remotely is one that many people in today's workforce are grappling with. However, what does your industry need?

If you're a teacher, childcare worker, chef, nurse, doctor, midwife, policeman, hairdresser, farmer, scuba diver, hotel manager, builder, work in retail, bus driver or many other roles, you physically cannot work from home.

However, of course, many many roles you can - but should you? Does your industry require more face-to-face contact and relationship building in 'real life'? Or is a zoom call sufficient?

For example, if you're a writer, you could easily work from home alone, as many do. Or a web developer or virtual assistant.

So make sure you take your industry into consideration when making your decision on your hybrid working.

Importance of in-person bonding

There are many benefits to in-person networking, such as building relationships, getting more advice on your new business plan, learning new skills to start your business and more. If you're unsure if remote work is right for you, explore some of the opportunities available at in-person networking events in your area.

 Whether you choose to work remotely or in person, there’s no denying that networking can be an important part of your career. In addition to creating new business relationships, networking events are great places to learn more about what’s happening in your industry. It’s also an opportunity for you to share tips about running your own business!

Personal preferences

Working from home or telecommuting offers lots of great benefits for both the employer and the employee. It also gives people more control over their work schedule, which is essential for many parents. It's much easier to balance parenting with other commitments when you're not wasting two hours every day driving kids to school. And it's possible to get chores done while at home, which makes getting back on the road less stressful in the mornings.

Just make sure you're working in an environment that doesn't interfere with your work. This means turning off notifications on your phone, wearing headphones when there's loud noise outside, closing all browser tabs that aren't related to work, etc. Having a set schedule is also key so your productivity is maximized.

Experienced employee vs new to the workforce

This might seem like an irrelevant question, but the truth is that depending on your work experience, it may make sense to choose one or the other. For example, if you are new to the workforce and have yet to find your stride in your profession or industry, working remotely might not be a better option for you. If you're working as an experienced employee with established skills, being at home for a few more days may not hurt as much.

Finding your balance in a hybrid environment

If you're considering a hybrid work schedule, it's important to find the balance that works best for you. For example, if you're easily distracted perhaps being at home full time isn't ideal. However, if you're a big people person perhaps being in the office is where you would be most distracted.

Do you have kids? School lifts would possibly be easier if you're working from home more.

Finding that balance is key and usually that involves days in and out of the office for most. The decision will be unique to you!