Home Office yes or no?

In recent years, the debate around home office has taken center stage in the world of work, especially in Switzerland. While some companies promote hybrid models, others are enforcing a stricter return to the office, sparking mixed reactions among employees. Today, I read an article in Blick and wanted to share some personal reflections.

The Benefits of Home Office

1. Work-life balance

Working from home allows employees to better manage their time, reduce commuting stress, and be more present for family life – particularly helpful for parents.

2. Environmental benefits

Fewer daily commutes mean lower CO₂ emissions – a positive impact on the environment.

3. Geographical flexibility

Home office enables employees to live in cantons different from the company’s headquarters, helping to balance population distribution and promoting multilingual, multicultural teams – a reflection of Switzerland’s diversity.

4. Improved productivity

Many report being more productive at home due to a quieter environment and fewer distractions. Organizing a proper workspace is crucial, both at home and in the office.

The Challenges of Home Office

1. Social isolation

Lack of daily interaction with colleagues can lead to feelings of loneliness and reduced opportunities for spontaneous collaboration.

2. Time management difficulties

Without clear boundaries between work and private life, some struggle to disconnect, risking burnout. This separation, however, should also be encouraged in office-only setups.

3. Leadership and trust issues

Sometimes I wonder: is the need for control from managers a sign of mistrust in their teams? Productivity doesn’t depend solely on physical presence – work ethic and motivation matter just as much in a home office.

Returning to the Office: A Matter of Balance

As with everything, it’s about balance. Some Swiss companies are rethinking their home office policies. In a Blickarticle from May 13, Schindler was mentioned as having limited remote work to one day a week for some staff – prompting mixed reactions, with some considering leaving their jobs.

Finding a balance between company goals and employee needs is key. A hybrid model, with a few days in the office, can support social interaction while preserving the benefits of remote work.

Conclusion

Home office comes with both advantages and challenges. Companies should adopt a flexible approach, grounded in trust and employee empowerment. A well-designed hybrid model can strike the right balance between productivity, well-being, and organizational needs.

I speak from personal experience. For nearly two years, I worked 80% in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, with two office days and two remote workdays. This model allowed me to move back to Ticino and commute, while maintaining a good quality of life.

I set up a real home office: dual screens, a height-adjustable desk, a whiteboard for notes. The quiet environment – being alone – helped me focus better. I appreciated being close to family and friends, enjoying the Ticino climate, and managing small household tasks with ease.

At the same time, returning to the office was a welcome break from solitude: seeing colleagues, working side by side, sharing thoughts, having lunch together. Each trip felt like a mini getaway.

Yes, balance and organization are needed – but this experience helped me develop new and valuable skills, enriching both my personal and professional life.

And you? What do you think? I look forward to your thoughts.

[1]: https://syndicom.ch/it/comunicato-stampa/guardia-sui-pericoli-delliniziativa-home-office/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "syndicom mette in guardia sui pericoli dell'iniziativa «Home office» - syndicom"

[2]: https://www.blick.ch/wirtschaft/homeoffice-regel-gekippt-schindler-zitiert-mitarbeiter-zurueck-ins-buero-id19732502.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Schindler beschränkt Homeoffice: Trend zeichnet sich ab - Blick"