Is work from home the same as work from anywhere?
You may be asking “What’s the difference between working from home and working remotely? Is there any difference?”
There is no doubt that work from home (or WFH) has its benefits for staff, from saving on commute time and costs to increased flexibility – plus you can work in your pyjamas if that’s your sort of thing! But is it always the best option? And where are the boundaries set for what is acceptable and what isn’t?
When comparing working from home and working from anywhere, there are subtle differences which can make a big impact depending on the nature of the business.
What is work from home?
Work from home is exactly as it sounds – a remote work arrangement where you are required to complete your work duties in the comfort of your own home. Depending on your personal preferences and the options available, this could be working from your living room, bedroom, kitchen or having a dedicated workspace somewhere else in the house.
Employers who allow employees to solely work from home often offer them a budget for setting up a home office space to create a comfortable and productive working environment. This would cover what would normally be provided in a traditional office space such as a desk, chair and office supplies. If you are working from home currently, don’t be afraid to ask about what options for home equipment your company offers.
Pros and cons of working from home
Pros
- Comfort in your own space
- No commuting
- More time for yourself
- Can complete household chores on breaks and lunch
- Higher productivity
- More flexibility
- Fewer interruptions
- Savings
- Easier to eat a balanced diet
Cons
- Possible to feel isolated
- Less team bonding
- Less strict routine
- Hard to separate personal and professional life
- Different types of distractions, possibly more exciting than work colleagues
What is work from anywhere / remote working?
Remote working or ‘work from anywhere’ policies allow employees to work from locations other than the company office (if there is one!). In this situation, employers may only require a reliable internet connection and a quiet space to allow them to participate in client or team meetings.
When working remotely, it is important to know your company’s rules around work locations. Though some do, not every company allows a work-from-anywhere approach. There may be certain restrictions, such as not leaving the country, or not working in public spaces when working with confidential materials.
It is also worth noting that some employers will title the working type as remote, but be limiting this to working from home. Just be sure of what is and isn’t allowed and thoroughly read through your working arrangement policies.
Pros and cons of working from anywhere
Pros
- Less likely to overwork
- Higher productivity
- Better work-life balance
- Optional commute
- Increased flexibility
- Less isolation due to leaving the house
Cons
- Travelling costs may not reduce when leaving the house
- Can be difficult to keep track of teams
- Unpredictable environments which may not always be suitable for working
- Can cause gaps in communication
So, are work from home and work from anywhere the same thing? Every company works differently, so check what your employer allows and make the most of it from there!
