Working from home is, for many people, the ideal way to work. No commute, more flexibility, and the comfort of your own environment. The advantages are clear and often talked about. It’s comfortable, efficient, and gives a sense of freedom.
But there’s another side to it.
I’ve noticed for myself that working from home doesn’t always work that well for me. Don’t get me wrong, in some situations it’s actually very practical. If I have an assignment far from home, I’ll gladly work from home one or two days to avoid the commute and traffic. In those moments, it feels logical and efficient, and I can use my time better.
Still, I find that whenever I’m working closer to home, I almost always prefer going to the office. Not because I have to, but because it simply feels better for me. The difference isn’t just the location, it’s the experience of the workday.
At the office, more happens than just work. You walk in, greet people, have a quick chat, drop by someone’s desk spontaneously. You grab coffee together or quickly discuss something without needing to schedule it. These are small moments, but they create structure and make the day feel more dynamic. Work feels less isolated and more like something you do together.
At home, I miss that. My workday often starts directly behind my laptop and ends there too. Everything happens in one place, through one screen. It can feel monotonous. I also notice that I’m less likely to get up or take short breaks. Before you know it, you’ve been working for hours straight without really noticing.
What also makes it more challenging for me is the feeling that I need to be more “on” when I’m at home. As if my work has to be visible, as if I need to be constantly available. That sense of invisible pressure sometimes creeps in, even though it’s probably not intended that way at all. At the office, I don’t feel that. There, work feels more natural, more relaxed, less forced.
The social aspect also plays a big role. I get energy from interacting with colleagues. Brainstorming, exchanging ideas, or just laughing about something small makes my workday not only more productive, but also more enjoyable. Through a screen, that’s simply harder to replicate. Conversations become more functional and less spontaneous.
Another thing I value about the office is the clear separation between work and personal life. When I go to the office, my workday starts there and I leave it there as well. At home, those boundaries blur more easily. Your laptop is always nearby, your workday feels less defined, and that can create subtle pressure.
For me, work isn’t just about efficiency or flexibility, it’s also about how a workday feels. The energy, the interaction, and the variety are important elements for me. And I simply experience those more at the office than at home.
Working from home definitely has its advantages, but it’s not the ideal solution for everyone. Sometimes, the real strength lies in the balance.
How about you? Do you prefer working from home or at the office?
Love Jennifer
