9 Pros and Cons of Working in an Office

For some people, the chance to work in an office is a dream come true. It’s a chance for them to pursue their career goals and earn a living. For others, working in an office is nothing short of a nightmare. From looking at a computer screen all day to being stuck with annoying co-workers, these folks are dreaming of the time they can clock out from the moment the alarm clock goes off in the morning.

There are many pros and cons of working in an office that can be carefully examined. Here are just a few of the key points that are worth looking at.

What Are the Pros of Working in an Office?

1. It isn’t physically demanding.
Workers can handle long shifts in an office setting without much physical difficulty. As long as personal posture is good and a keyboard is placed in an appropriate location, it is a fairly easy setting to endure for 8+ hours every day.

2. It provides a reliable routine.
When working in an office, there are rarely any changes to the routine. You know that there is a certain time to report. You know that most days, you’re going to be going home at a certain time. This makes it a lot easier to handle the rest of the demands that life offers.

3. It offers an opportunity for open dialogue.
In an office setting, it is much easier to discuss issues with a direct supervisor. Senior management is also readily accessible, which is not always the case in other work settings. This allows workers to feel like they’re kept in the loop more when it comes to company developments, changes, or advancement opportunities.

4. It allows for close relationships to form.
Most people spend just as much time with their co-workers as they do with their family. This means close relationships will naturally form because people are working together every day. Many lifelong friendships have been created because of the natural environment that exists within the office.

5. Technology access allows for strong connectivity.
Many offices provide their works with access to technologies that allows them to be online, connect with others, and still be working all at the same time. It allows people to feel connected, even if they’re in an office by themselves.

What Are the Cons of Working in an Office?

1. It often requires a stationary position.
Office work typically demands that a worker remain stationary within their office to work. There are options available in some offices, such as standing desks, that can stop prolonged sitting. Yet at the end of the day, an office worker is going to spend most of their day at their own desk or cubicle and only venture out during break times. Without added physical activity to their routine, this can quickly lead to an expanding waistline.

2. It forces people to stay inside.
One of the biggest complaints about working in an office is the fact that you’re stuck working inside on a nice day. Now during bad weather, this complaint goes away. But when the sun is shining and the temperatures are nice, it can be difficult to stay focused on the tasks that need to be finished.

3. There can be a lot of distractions.
In an office setting, many workers are forced to work in a close proximity to one another. This may facilitate the creation of relationships, but it also means that there can be very little personal space. Some people may be very chatty because they have little to do, but that becomes stressful for someone who doesn’t want to be distracted. When people are stuck together in a close proximity for long periods of time, it can create intimacy, irritation, or both – and all are distractions.

4. There may be numerous rules to follow.
An office may require a worker to not bring in any personal mementos. This creates a situation where the only thing to stare at all day is a computer screen. Even if you don’t mind this type of work, the routine can feel boring after some time.

The pros and cons of working in an office show that it is an environment that some will see as a blessing, but others will see as a curse. Everyone sees an ideal work experience a little differently. That means it is important to find an office or any other work environment that meets your personal needs and interests in an effective way so that you can thrive in your job.