Companies with remote work are undeniably convenient. We have the chance to have our own bathrooms, nice quiet surroundings, routine stability, and no one to tell us what to do. All of these are reasons why many people prefer work from home employment rather than working in the office.

It seems that working from home is all good. However, working from home has some negative consequences that are not fully understood. The quality of our work is directly related to our success—but there are many things outside of our work environment that  negatively and positively influence the quality of our work.

Benefits When Working in Person 

#1 Building Community

The office is a place for culture, community and collaboration.  Being in person allows for you to experience the culture, the people and the teamwork that thrives in the workplace.  Personally, after being hired at The Selling Factory, I dreaded going into the office. Working from the comfort of my own home sounded so much better. I still trudged into the office on my first day and I loved it! I got to see my coworkers’ smiling faces, hear about their weekends, and it was so easy to ask questions when I needed help. Not only did I enjoy seeing all my colleagues, I was immersed into The Selling Factory culture within the office.  

Research shows that company culture elements are evident in the way employees dress, their hours, and the office vibes. Being in person you experience the culture, and become the lifeblood of the company.  A company thrives when their employees embody company culture elements. Together you are greater than one in a home office. 

Being a part of the community increases your productivity.  This is due to your comfortability in an office where you feel welcomed and represented.  This boosts goal achievement within the shared space.  I know I enjoy sharing and celebrating goals as a company, or individual goals that have been met. 

#2 Making Connections

Work from home employment removes the company culture elements. You’re not able to interact with your coworkers and build relationships. If I continued working from home, I would have never made friends with our front desk security guards Will & Fred.  Also, I would miss out on hearing about my colleagues’ lives, as they work in  different departments and I only see them in the office.  These little interactions throughout your day at the office allow for relationships beyond your department, as you only connect with those necessary to getting your job done remotely.  These little conversations may seem like nothing at the moment, but they could be the reason you start a great friendship or get your next promotion. 

The few times I work from home, I feel isolated and a bit  lonely as I only interact with the people necessary to get my job done.  There’s no place for me to connect with the people  in the office.  There is no room for collaboration, community or heightened productivity.  It is so much easier to roll your chair over to a peer’s desk to troubleshoot, than to schedule a zoom call with them.  

#3 Separating Work from Relaxation

The lines between your personal and professional lives blur with work from home employment. You can quickly respond to those after hour emails, because your computer is only a room away. Rolling out of bed into that meeting becomes second nature.  As these lines blur, you can find yourself working longer hours compared to the office.  It may even feel like you cannot escape work as it has bled into your home life.  Unhealthy work life balance increases stress levels, which can eventually lead to burnout if the stress is never managed. 

By going back into the office, you can maintain a healthier balance.  In my experience, the office is my dedicated workspace, completely separate from home where I relax. My hours in the office are filled with productive work.  I also feel the urge to be more productive in the office as I see others working and completing their duties.  Once I walk out of the office, I know that is my leisure time. My personal and professional life no longer bleed together. When I’m home, that is my time and I don’t let work interfere with it.  With this healthier balance you enjoy decreased stress levels along with a work free personal life.

The Work Commute Is Worth It 

Though many people are opting for remote office environments, this doesn’t mean you have to give up the benefits of seeing other people in person. The benefits when working face-to-face are often overlooked. Whether it’s learning new tricks from your coworkers, taking a stroll for some fresh air, or interacting with customers. There are many benefits when working in the office. 

We all need that little extra push to stay motivated and engaged in our work day, and this list of reasons to return to work in person will help you understand why. The work commute leads to a few company culture elements like a boost to our work performance and an energizing environment filled with people who share the same goals.

Go back to the office, the work commute is worth it!