The Work from Home Debate

Which side are you on when it comes to the work from home debate?

I have read a few recent articles about how some of the major corporations are pushing for employees to return to the office. I have also seen many employees very vocal about their desire to continue working from home.

I am curious to know which side of the work from home debate you are on? Are you pro work from home or against it and why? What do you think the workforce will look like in the next 10 to 20 years? Do you think that more employees will be working from home in the future or less?

3 Considerations on the Work from Home Debate

1. Clearly know your position on working from home. 

Once you know where you stand, you also need to be able to support your position. Regardless of the side that you are on, ensure that you have legitimate reasons for supporting or not supporting working from home. I would like to encourage you to refrain from making your decision based solely on your own opinion or preferences. Remember that everyone is different, and that data that supports your position will speak louder than words.

2. Understand your team’s thoughts on working from home.

 Our team members have their own opinions on working from home. When we have healthy working relationships with our team members, they will be open and honest with us regarding their personal opinions.

If you do not yet know where your individual team stands on the work from home debate, your normal 1 on 1 meetings with them would be a great time to get their feedback. Also when you have these meetings it is a good idea to ask for their preference and just listen (try not to assert your opinion on the topic). This will help you get a good grasp on how they really feel.

Also understand that if your employees want to work from home, but if your company is anti-work from home, that there is a possibility of losing your top talent to companies that are a bit more flexible.

3. Try not to dig your heels into the sand! 

It is always a good idea to know your own mind, and your own perspective. We should also try to remain open minded and flexible. As they say, “change is inevitable”, and as leaders we are responsible for leading change. Becoming inflexible and resistant to change has been the downfall of many organizations. The longer lasting companies are going to be those who are willing to change with the times.

If you have not already had the work from home conversation with your team, I would encourage you to do so as soon as possible.

Remember that as leaders, denial is never a positive thing. The more we honestly understand our team members and their perspectives, the better equipped we will be to lead them.

Successful leaders always deal in reality and they do not avoid difficult conversations.

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