If you’re on the hunt for a new job, one of the most important factors to consider is the right work environment for your professional growth. Much has been said about the benefits of remote work. Those benefits might suit the needs of some; however, in a competitive job market, information is your best friend. It’s worth considering all options, including roles in more traditional, in-office environments if they offer professional advantages that will help you level up.
Below are benefits of working in an office setting that you might not have considered.
Learning the ropes
Starting a new job remotely can be difficult. A company’s culture is often absorbed through observing others, watching real-time problem-solving and witnessing what success looks like every day. When working from home, institutional knowledge is only transmitted via emails, chats and video calls.
Additionally, many organizations — roughly half! — lack formal training programs and depend solely on the employee to figure out how they fit into an organization. Gleaning the necessary tips and tricks from other employees is made easier when you can build a rapport and ask on-the-spot questions rather than pinging them via email.
Increased collaboration
Research shows that actively collaborating with others in the workplace boosts creativity and productivity. In fact, a study conducted by the University of Michigan found that increased in-person communication and interaction directly correlates with improved cognitive performance. Having a physical presence in the office encourages continuous discourse, spontaneous ideas and verbal problem-solving, all things that are much less likely to occur when you communicate with others solely through a screen.
Valued visibility
For those looking to stand out to their managers, office presence can go a long way. Physical immersion in the workplace offers more opportunities to showcase your work ethic, impress your leaders and express your desire to move forward within the company. In fact, research shows that leaders still prefer engaging with employees via the traditional office setting, with more than two-thirds of supervisors viewing remote workers as more easily replaceable.
Reduced miscommunication
Have you ever read too much into a “K” text message only to realize the person on the other end was simply busy? In-person interaction can reduce miscommunication. Without it, you miss out on the nonverbal cues that help people better understand one another. Body language, posture and eye contact are just a few subtle hints that go a long way to communicate a point.
Elevated culture
When you spend so much time away from your colleagues, it’s only natural that your sense of mission and drive start to drift. But when you share a physical space with your team members as you work together toward a common goal, your sense of purpose increases. According to The Institute for Corporate Productivity, workplaces with the highest productivity have a team-oriented, collaborative culture that focuses on employee well-being, encourages interpersonal relationships, provides consistent and constructive feedback and demonstrates an openness to new ideas.
In your next career move, prioritize an environment that champions your long-term growth and success. If you’re looking for a dynamic culture that emphasizes career development, visit paycomcareers.com.
