ThailandThe trend of working from home (WFH) and remote work is on the rise, prompting many organisations to adopt policies allowing employees to work from home more frequently. This shift helps save costs and significantly reduces commuting time. Additionally, those working with international companies can opt for this method to avoid relocating abroad.
However, if an organisation has a WFH policy, should employees choose to work from home or at a private coworking space? Here, we provide some insights.
Benefits of Working from Home (WFH)
Let’s start with the working from home (WFH) model. The WFH model gained widespread popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic when governments worldwide urged citizens to stay home to reduce the spread of the virus.
As a result, companies had to adapt to keep their businesses running by allowing employees to work from home. Transforming a corner of your home into a workspace and working from home has the following advantages:
1. Save on Expenses
Working from home allows you to cut costs significantly. By eliminating the need for commuting, you’ll save on transportation costs, fuel, and even those daily lunches, coffees, and other incidental expenses that can quickly add up. This means more money in your pocket at the end of each month.
2. No Commute Time
Working from home eliminates the commute, allowing you to begin your workday promptly without the stress and time lost in traffic or public transportation delays. This reclaimed time can be dedicated to personal pursuits, leisure activities, or quality time with family, enhancing your overall work-life balance.
3. Customise Your Workspace
Lastly, working from home empowers you to design an aesthetically pleasing and functional environment, complete with your preferred decor and equipment. Additionally, the ability to incorporate personal touches, such as background music, can foster a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, potentially enhancing your overall productivity and well-being.
Advantages of Working at a Coworking Space
Coworking spaces are designed to provide a productive working environment for everyone. They offer various options such as hot desks, private offices, and offices ranging from small to large. Working in a coworking space has numerous advantages, including:
1. Ideal Working Environment
One of the main reasons many people choose to work in a coworking space is the conducive working environment. This includes air conditioning, high-speed internet, and the absence of unpleasant noises or smells, allowing for better concentration.
2. Networking Opportunities
Many organisations are now renting offices in coworking spaces, providing an excellent opportunity to meet new people, exchange interests, build connections, and enhance career growth.
3. Comprehensive Amenities & Facilities
Many coworking spaces choose to use ergonomic office furniture to help reduce the occurrence of office syndrome. They also come with various amenities such as pantries, beverages, snacks, printers, meeting rooms, and event spaces, catering to the needs of all types of workers.
4. Greater Flexibility
Opting for a coworking space provider with a global presence, such as JustCo, opens doors to an extensive network of workspaces worldwide. As a JustCo Global member, you gain access to their locations across the globe, empowering you with unparalleled flexibility to work whenever and wherever you desire.
5. Clearly divide your time and space between leisure and work
When companies implement work-from-home (WFH) policies, it’s not uncommon for employees to experience difficulty maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The lines between personal and professional can blur, leading to extended work hours and limited physical activity. In contrast, a coworking space provides a distinct boundary between work and leisure.
At a Glance: Should You Work from Home or at a Coworking Space for Remote Work?
Now that we have explored the advantages of coworking spaces and working from home, we’ve compiled a comparative table highlighting the advantages of working from home versus utilising a coworking space for remote work.
| Working From Home | Working at a Coworking Space | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Environment | Living with family can sometimes mean unexpected interruptions. For optimal focus, consider setting up a dedicated workspace in a private room, or creating a designated work zone within a shared space. | Coworking spaces are designed to be conducive to work, with a comfortable and visually pleasing environment, free from noise distractions. The aesthetically pleasing decor can also help boost productivity and stimulate new ideas. |
| 2. Budget | You may save on expenses by eliminating commuting and meal costs, but electricity bills may increase due to higher computer and internet usage. | With flexible rental options available β daily, monthly, or yearly β you can easily budget and plan your expenses accordingly. |
| 3. Amenities | You may not have essential amenities like printers when working from home. If you want to use a meeting room, you may have to go elsewhere. | Coworking spaces offer a full range of amenities, including printers, meeting rooms, high-speed internet, beverages, snacks, as well as cleaning staff and IT support. |
From the table above, it can be seen doing remote work at home, and at a coworking space each have their own advantages. However, if you want a work environment that is conducive to productivity, complete with amenities that fully cater to the needs of workers, then a standard coworking space is undoubtedly the best answer.
Looking for a private coworking space? At JustCo, we offer a variety of office spaces with complete amenities, including snacks and drinks, high-speed internet,meeting rooms, event spaces, and professional staff ready to assist you at all times. You can fully focus on your work in an environment that meets your needs. We have branches in prime locations in the heart of Bangkok. Inquire about prices and schedule a tour on our website.