“Work from home” and “work from anywhere.” What’s the difference?
Working from home and working from anywhere are two different concepts that have become increasingly popular in the modern workplace. Working from home typically means having a dedicated home office setup, while working from anywhere implies being able to work remotely from any location.
While both offer advantages such as increased flexibility and cost savings, research suggests that working from home may be more beneficial for productivity. Other testimonials suggest working from anywhere provides a better work-life balance as you can travel and see the world—or your local coffee shop—while working. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide which option works best for them and their lifestyle.
Hybrid work set-up
Of course, having a hybrid WFH and WFA set-up is always possible. A hybrid setup allows for both working from home and anywhere, giving employees more flexibility in how and where they work. This could mean that some employees work remotely from home while others work in an office or other location, or it could mean that all employees have the option to work remotely part-time, from home or anywhere, while also having access to an office space. As companies continue to explore different ways of working during this time, hybrid setups may become increasingly popular as they provide a unique balance between traditional and new ways of working.
The subtle difference between WFH and WFA
When it comes to working from home versus working from anywhere, there are subtle differences that can make a big impact on communication, productivity and work-life balance. While WFH or WFA is more of a lifestyle choice, people who work primarily from home tend to have higher self-motivation and productivity levels than those who work from anywhere. On the other hand, the flexibility of being able to work from anywhere can be great for your work-life balance and help you find new inspiration in different places. And both can come with challenges in communication if expectation management is weak.
The question left is “what are you looking for?” Do you want to wake up in a different place every week/month and go the “digital nomad” route? Do you work better with consistency, routines and the comfort of your own space?
Some might argue that WFA allows more work-life balance. Others can say it’s more productive to get as much done as possible in a distraction-free zone and then take dedicated time off to explore and both would be right.
The pros and cons of working from home
Pros
- The comfort of your own space
- No commuting
- More time with friends and family
- Can wash laundry and dishes in between tasks
- Generally, higher productivity than working in an office
- More flexibility with work hours
- Easier to eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Fewer interruptions
- More savings
Possible cons
- Possible to feel isolated
- Possible larger, more exciting distractions than work colleagues
- Silos in communication
- Less team bonding
- Can be more difficult to separate work life and personal life
- Less strict routine
- Possibly more online shopping than before… just me?
The pros and cons of working from anywhere
Pros
- Less likelihood of overworking
- Higher productivity
- Better work-life balance
- Healthier lifestyle
- Less isolation due to working from places other than the home
- No commute
- More independence
- Increased flexibility
Possible cons
- Possibly fewer savings with traveling
- Communication gaps
- Difficulties managing remote teams
- More distractions than WFH
- More communication required
How to transition from working from home to working from anywhere
Working from home can be a great experience, but sometimes it’s nice to mix things up and take your work on the road. Whether you’re looking to become a digital nomad or just want to get out of the house and work from your local coffee shop, transitioning from working from home to working remotely can be an exciting adventure.
There are a few things to keep in mind while you’re on the go: communication, expectation management, preperation and the right tools for the job.
1. The right tools
Invest in a comfortable chair if working from home, an extra monitor if you can manage, good webcam, and good headphones so you can stay connected wherever you go.
2. Communication
Make sure you communicate expectations with anyone who will be home with you while you’re away and your team if you’re moving time zones. And don’t forget to take regular breaks throughout the day—it’s important to interact with other humans!
3. Preparation
When working from home or anywhere, planning and preparing meals for the next day or the week can save you time and money for other adventures. When it comes time for lunch or dinner, all you have to do is grab and go.
4. Expectation management
Finally, keep your team updated. Through your project management tools, instant messaging platform and meetings during the week there should be ample communication to get work completed. With these tips in mind, transitioning from working from home to being a digital nomad or working remotely should be an enjoyable experience.
The benefits of using meeting software when working from home or working from anywhere
Working from home or working from anywhere can be a challenge for any team. But with the right meeting software, it doesn’t have to be. Meeting software with pre-built meeting agendas helps teams stay organized and on track, even when they’re not in the same room. With a regular meeting cadence, you can ensure everyone is on the same page and that nothing slips through the cracks. Plus, having an agenda keeps everyone focused and productive during meetings, so you get more done in less time. With all of these benefits and many more, it’s easy to see why meeting software is essential for any remote team. 🔥
It’s also what we do besides sharing tips for getting the most out of your work life. Bloom Growth™ is a software designed to make working from home or anywhere an accessible solution for any team.