Work from the office vs. work from home: Find out which option is right for you

Work from home or work from the office? The ongoing debate has become prevalent over the past years since the pandemic began. Both have their pros and cons. Working from home allows for flexibility, lesser expenditure, and more independence.  

Working in an office promotes better collaboration with colleagues and seniors, more discipline and structure, and a clear divide between work and off hours.  

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower recommends employers provide employees with flexible work arrangements (FWAs). Recent research also shows that Singapore has one of the highest work-from-home days in the world, even more than some European companies.  

The decision to work from home or office depends on your role, industry, and management. For example, if you're working in tech, the possibility of remote working is much higher (and preferable). Whereas, if you're working on a construction project, your employer would require you to be at the site.  

Each has advantages and disadvantages; finding the right fit is crucial for productivity and overall job satisfaction. After reading our guide, we hope you'll be better positioned to make a good decision. We'll cover the following in this guide: 

• Pros and cons of working from the office 
• How to adapt when you have to go back to the office for work
• Pros and cons of working from home 
• How to adapt when you go back to working from home
• Factors to consider when choosing to work from an office or home 
• How do I know if I work better in the office or from home? 
• Conclusion 
• FAQs 

Pros and cons of working from the office 

Here is a more detailed look at the advantages and challenges related to working from an office: 

Pros 

Here are some reasons why working in an office is better than at home: 

1. A structured environment 

A physical office provides a structured environment that enhances productivity and focus. With a dedicated workspace and set working hours, it's easier to establish a routine and stick to a schedule.  

With fewer distractions, you can better prioritise your tasks and manage your time more effectively when working in an office.  

Working in an office also gives you easy access to the necessary tools, office equipment, and resources to do your job. This helps in promoting key talent and productivity. 

2. Collaborative opportunities 

An office environment provides opportunities for face-to-face collaboration. Being physically present in the exact location allows for more effective communication. In-person engagement creates fast and seamless cooperation among colleagues. All these factors will boost productivity and enhance career growth. 

When you work from the office, you also have better human connections and collaborate with your colleagues. This is especially true if you've just joined the workforce or are interning. When you interact with different people in your office, you learn a lot from them. It also makes you more confident and outgoing.  

3. Tight-knit relationships with team members 

Office working leads to meaningful connections and greater team cohesion. The increased Facetime provides more opportunities to get to know coworkers from different departments.  

This fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Building these relationships also creates a more positive and enjoyable work environment because you're around people you know. 

4. Clear work-life boundaries 

A healthy work-life balance will help you achieve personal and professional growth. Healthy boundaries between work and personal life protect your mental health and well-being. An office environment gives you a separate and dedicated physical space for working.  

This makes focusing on your work tasks easier, which might help you be more productive. Having a separate space to work will also help you switch off from work and focus on your activities when you finish the day. It may also reduce your stress and decrease your risk of burnout. 

5. Increased access to workplace benefits 

Many workplaces benefit office workers. These include free lunches, coffee, and snacks. Air conditioning, a second monitor, and an ergonomic chair for added comfort and to improve productivity are also common. 

Some companies offer free transportation or parking to employees who choose to go back to the office. 

Cons 

Here are some of the disadvantages of working in an office setting: 

1. Commute challenges 

On average, most Singaporeans walk to work due to the accessibility of roads and public transportation. It is expensive to own a vehicle in Singapore. Public transport in Singapore is efficient and excellent.  

However, the downside is that you must get up early to catch a train or bus on time. In addition, peak times will see more crowds, so you will have to wait for quite some time. Long walking to your destination could be tiresome for some, and you’ll likely come home tired at the end of the day.  

2. Limited flexibility 

Working in an office provides structure and consistency, but it could be an issue if you prefer a more flexible schedule. With 43% of employees highlighting the importance of flexible work locations, this is a big consideration.  

If you're more productive during certain times of the day or want a change in your environment, office work won't help you maximise your productivity. The traditional office setting is also challenging for individuals with diverse work schedules.  

The typical office working hours in Singapore are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If your schedule deviates from this, you may encounter challenges in commuting or communicating with your team. A healthy work-life balance may also be challenging because of the rigid schedule. 

3. Higher expenses 

Aside from commuting, you must consider food expenses when working in an office. On average, Singaporeans spend S$16.90 eating out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

In contrast, a family serving of chicken rice is around S$15, even if you factor in rice. This is good for five people, or S$3 per person, less than what you might spend if you buy breakfast and lunch whenever you go to your physical workplace. 

How to adapt when you have to go back to the office for work 

If you have been working remotely and must return to in-person arrangements, you might wonder how to improve your working environment in the office. Here are tips you should follow to improve the working environment in the office: 

• Figure out what type of transportation works best for you. Consider your schedule, budget, and time. Use Apple or Google Maps, as this shows what types of transportation are available and gives you the estimated arrival time to your destination. 
•  Give yourself enough time to commute. Add 30 minutes to an hour for unexpected delays. Take particular note of this if you're commuting during rush hours, between 8 am and 9 am and 5 pm and 7 pm. 
•  Create a schedule that works for you. Determine your peak productivity hours and allot these to your most important tasks. Include breaks into your schedule to avoid burnout and give yourself time to recharge.  
•  Incorporate exercise and walk into your daily routine. Physical activity can help you maintain your overall health and well-being. Make the best of Singapore's extensive public parks and walkways to take short walks after work or during your lunch hours.  

Pros and cons of working from home 

Understanding the pros and cons of working from home would help you determine if this arrangement might work for you: 

Pros 

Here are some advantages of working from home: 

1. Flexibility 

Remote work gives you the freedom to set your schedule. As many employees in Singapore (around 54%) believe flexible work schedules are the most effective way to support productivity, this advantage is an important consideration.  

This increased autonomy allows you to maximise your time. You could schedule meetings and brainstorming sessions when you're most productive. You can also make time for personal activities. 

2. Cost savings 

You can save significantly by working from home. The major areas of savings would be commute and food. You might spend additional money on electricity and water when working from home. But these numbers are significantly less when you look at the overall expenses.  

3. Increased productivity  

Many studies show that remote working improves productivity. One study examined the effectiveness of a work-from-home arrangement among travel agency employees. The performance of those who worked remotely increased by 13%.  

The Fall 2022 Future Forum Pulse survey had a similar observation, with employees who enjoy flexible working arrangements reporting a 29% increase in their productivity.  

In a different survey, 20-35% of employees expressed their interest in working from home on most days of the week. Women were more vocal about this, especially caregivers who found it convenient to work remotely and care for their kids.  

Many believe the office offers a more focused work environment because of its structure. But there are things you could do when working remotely to achieve the same results. Here are some examples: 

• Invest in comfortable office furniture. An example is an ergonomic chair.  
• Make sure the air quality in your working space is good. Install an air filter or purifier and ventilate the space regularly. 
• Keep your home office space organised. A clutter-free work area can help you focus and be more productive. 
•  Add greenery to your workspace. A 2014 experiment showed that people could concentrate better and were more productive in offices that had leafy plants. 
•  Let in natural light. A 2014 study found that people who work in offices with artificial lighting tend to have higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those in naturally lit spaces 

Cons 

Here are some of the disadvantages of working from home: 

1. Isolation 

Because you're not working closely with your coworkers, the shared sense of purpose and camaraderie of working in an office is missing. This would leave you feeling isolated.  

Your work productivity and engagement may suffer as a result. This is especially true for Singaporean workplaces, which emphasise working together in teams to achieve the desired results.  

There are strategies for maintaining a sense of connection. Many organisations create opportunities for employees to connect virtually through video conferences, online chats, and collaboration tools.  

Here are some things you could do to recreate the social aspects of working in an office: 

• Reach out to coworkers. Engage in conversations about work and non-work topics to establish a connection with them. 
•  Set boundaries between your work and home life. Avoid burnout by maintaining a work-life balance that allows you to socialise with family and friends. 
•  Join company events. Participating in corporate social responsibility activities, such as tree-planting initiatives or medical missions, can help you connect with colleagues. 

Employers have also adapted the hybrid work culture that requires employees to be in the office a few days a week. This is to enhance collaboration and teamwork.  

2. Communication hurdles 

Clear communication is a must in any workplace. But with virtual teams, additional challenges make this problematic. Common issues that employees who work remotely face are an unreliable internet connection, faulty audio and video equipment, and inadequate tools for communication. 

These issues affect team collaboration and dynamics. For example, a microphone or headset that's not working correctly could hinder continuous idea sharing.  

A weak connection can cause audio and video to lag, making it difficult to share ideas or listen to a team member during a brainstorming session. These hurdles can make building relationships with team members and clients harder. 

This is why some may say that working in the office is better than at home.  

How to adapt when you go back to working from home? 

Here are tips for adjusting to working from home: 

• Have a proper work-from-home setup. Designate an area in your home as your physical workplace. Your setup should include a comfortable chair, a desk, adequate lighting, and the equipment and technology you need for work. 
• Create a schedule and stick to it. Even with flexible work hours, try to create a routine for your workday. This can help you stay on top of your tasks and manage your time effectively. 
• Set proper work-life boundaries. When you finish work for the day, log out and turn off your devices. Step away from your workspace, and avoid answering calls or emails.   
• Take proper breaks. Regular breaks throughout your workday are important for your mental, physical, and emotional health and well-being. Have lunch away from your desk, take a short walk outside, do an exercise routine, or chat with your colleagues.  
• Remain communicative during office hours. Enable notifications on your work communication platforms and devices, set an alarm for lunch breaks, and clear your email inbox regularly. Update your calendar if there are changes to your schedule so your team knows your availability and can contact you when necessary. 

Factors to consider when choosing to work from an office or home 

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether to work in an office or from home: 

1. Job nature 

Some roles require a physical presence because of the nature of the job. These include many positions in healthcare, manufacturing, and other industries where on-site work is necessary.  

There are also jobs you can perform remotely without affecting the quality of your work. These usually involve computer-based tasks like software development, customer service, and digital marketing. 

2. Personal preferences 

Work style and preferences impact job satisfaction. That's why it's essential to consider them before you choose a work arrangement. Working in an office is a great option if you thrive in a social work environment that encourages employee interaction. If you prefer a quieter setting where you can work independently, working from home may suit you. 

3. Company culture 

Company culture influences how employees work and interact. When deciding, first consider how your values align with those of the company you wish to work for. Then, see if these values result in a company culture that supports working from home or in an office.  

How do I know if I work better in the office or from home? 

Here's a quick way to determine if working from home or in an office is right for you: 

1. Determine your work style and preferences 

If you're self-motivated and can stay focused on work despite distractions from family, pets, or roommates, a work-from-home arrangement could work for you. If you need a structured environment with clear boundaries between your work and personal life, you may find working in an office more suitable.  

Regarding communication style, you may be happier with office work if you're more extroverted and thrive on collaboration. 

2. Assess your work environment 

Working from home is excellent if you have a suitable working space and you don't need specific office equipment to do your job. But if workplace resources are essential to your work, going to the office is a better choice. And if your job involves a lot of teamwork and face-to-face collaboration, an office environment might also be more conducive to working effectively. 

3. Take note of emotional and social considerations 

If you thrive in solitude and prefer jobs where collaboration is minimal, you could likely work from home without much difficulty. But if you need social interaction to feel motivated or you enjoy working with others, an office environment may be better for your mental health. In general, the more social you are, the more you may benefit from office work. 

Conclusion  

Both working from the office and working from home have pros and cons. When you work in an office setting, you tend to have a set structure in place. This allows you to have clear boundaries between work and leisure.  

You also get to interact with your colleagues, participate in office events, and work alongside experienced people who can guide you in professional development.  

Remote work is great for the flexibility and convenience of work. You can get the same amount of work done in less time since you don't have to spend time commuting. But you might also end up overworking since there's no clear boundary set between work and personal life.  

Since Singapore also promotes flexible work arrangements, you can make your decision based on your lifestyle, preferences, and social and economic factors. Or, the best option could be a hybrid work style where you make the most of both. 

FAQs 

Here are answers to common questions about this topic: 

1. What is the meaning of working from the office? 
   ⁠Working from the office refers to the traditional work arrangement where you carry out tasks and responsibilities within your employer's physical office space. This setup typically involves commuting to and from work, attending regular office hours, and interacting face-to-face with colleagues and supervisors. 
2. What is the difference between WFH and WFO? 
   ⁠The difference between WFH, or working from home, and WFO, or working from the office, lies in the physical location where you perform duties. If you’re on a work-from-home arrangement, you can complete your tasks from the comfort of your own home.  
   ⁠
   ⁠On the other hand, an office setup requires employees to be physically present in a specific location. 
3. What's the general outlook about working from home in Singapore?  
   ⁠The Ministry of Manpower is supportive of flexible work arrangements. This includes working remotely. It also recommends employers encourage FWAs as a permanent feature of the workplace, depending on business and work-life needs. Some guidelines include: 

• Employers should allow employees to work flexibly and support them with their needs when working remotely.  
•  Employers should provide equal opportunities, remuneration, and other advantages that work-from-office employees get.  
• Employees should use FWA responsibly and honestly and not consider it an entitlement.  
• Employers and employees should have clear communication on what's working and what's not to make necessary adjustments.  

It also recommends employers use co-working spaces and satellite homes to help employees work close to their homes.