Is Working From Home Proper Work? A Guide for Small Businesses

Working from home has become a defining feature of modern working life, especially since the global shift brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. But for many small businesses, the question still lingers: is working from home proper work? It’s a legitimate question, given the concerns over productivity, collaboration, and company culture. Let’s explore the realities of remote work, weigh its pros and cons, and discuss how small businesses can make it work for them.

The Rise of Remote Work

Remote work is not a new concept. For decades, freelancers, consultants, and tech professionals have embraced working from home as a way to achieve flexibility and autonomy, indeed the author has, over the past 25 years, worked from home for about 20 of them. However, the pandemic accelerated this trend, forcing businesses of all sizes to adapt to remote working conditions practically overnight.

For small businesses, the sudden shift was both a challenge and an opportunity. Many discovered that their teams could function effectively without a central office, but doubts about the legitimacy of remote work as “real work” still remain. Some employers worry about a lack of oversight, while employees may feel isolated or less connected to their teams.

What Does “Proper Work” Mean?

To determine whether working from home is proper work, it’s important to define what “proper work” entails. For most businesses, proper work involves:

• Meeting productivity goals
• Maintaining clear communication
• Delivering quality outputs
• Ensuring accountability

The location where this work is done should, in theory, be secondary. The key question is whether working from home enables or hinders these outcomes.

The Benefits of Working From Home

Increased Productivity

One of the most cited benefits of working from home is improved productivity. Without the distractions of a bustling office, many employees find it easier to focus on their tasks. They can structure their day around their most productive hours, rather than being confined to a rigid 9-to-5 schedule.

Cost Savings for Employers and Employees

For small businesses, overhead costs like office rent, utilities, and supplies can be a significant expense. Remote work can drastically reduce these costs. Employees also save money on commuting, lunches, and work attire, which can boost morale and loyalty.

Improved Work-Life Balance

Remote work allows employees to better balance their personal and professional lives. Parents, for instance, can more easily manage childcare responsibilities, while others may find more time for hobbies or exercise. A happier, more balanced employee is often a more productive one.

Access to a Wider Talent Pool

Small businesses are no longer limited to hiring talent within commuting distance. Remote work allows you to tap into a global talent pool, opening up opportunities to find the best fit for your business, regardless of location.

The Challenges of Working From Home

Lack of Supervision

One of the main concerns for small business owners is the difficulty of overseeing remote employees. Without face-to-face interaction, it can be hard to gauge whether someone is genuinely working or simply appearing busy.

Communication Barriers

While technology has made it easier to stay connected, remote work can still lead to miscommunications. Tone and context are harder to convey over email or messaging apps, and video calls don’t always capture the nuances of in-person interactions.

Isolation and Loneliness

For some employees, working from home can feel isolating. The lack of social interaction with colleagues can lead to feelings of loneliness, which may impact mental health and productivity.

Distractions at Home

Not everyone’s home environment is conducive to work. Whether it’s noisy neighbours, young children, or the temptation of household chores, distractions can be a significant challenge for remote workers.

Strategies to Make Remote Work Effective

Set Clear Expectations

To ensure remote work is “proper work,” establish clear expectations for your team. Define working hours if possible, productivity metrics, and communication protocols. This will help employees understand what is required of them and provide a framework for accountability.

Invest in Technology

Equip your team with the tools they need to succeed remotely. This might include project management software, video conferencing platforms, and secure file-sharing systems. Reliable technology is essential for maintaining productivity and communication.

Foster a Strong Company Culture

Company culture doesn’t have to disappear just because your team isn’t in the same room. Regular virtual check-ins, team-building activities, and recognition of achievements can help maintain a sense of community.

Provide Support for Employees

Recognise that not all employees will adapt to remote work in the same way. Offer resources for mental health support, create opportunities for social interaction, and be flexible with individual needs.

Monitor Performance, Not Presence

Rather than focusing on how many hours employees are online, measure their performance based on ou**-*-tcomes. Are they meeting deadlines and delivering quality work? If so, where they’re working from becomes less relevant.

Case Studies: Small Businesses Embracing Remote Work

Example 1: A Marketing Agency

A small marketing agency in London transitioned to a fully remote setup during the pandemic. By using collaboration tools like Slack and Asana, the team maintained seamless communication and project tracking. Over time, the agency found that productivity improved, and they saved thousands of pounds annually on office space.

Example 2: Internet Services Company

A growing internet services company, based in Peterborough, were already operating a mix of office based and home based staff.  During the pandemic when working from offices was not possible they transitioned to everyone working from home, and at the end of the lockdown period decided that “productivity” had actually increased to the point that they could close their office and have everyone working from home.

Example 3: A Consultancy Firm

A small consultancy firm in Edinburgh embraced remote work to expand their client base. By hiring remote consultants from across the UK, they were able to offer specialised services to clients in different regions. This approach not only increased revenue but also enhanced their reputation for flexibility and expertise.

Is Remote Work the Future for Small Businesses?

The answer to whether working from home is proper work lies in how it is managed. Remote work is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its success depends on the nature of your business, your team’s needs, and your willingness to adapt.

For many small businesses, remote work represents an opportunity to reduce costs, increase productivity, and attract top talent. However, it also requires careful planning, clear communication, and a commitment to supporting employees. With the right strategies in place, working from home can absolutely be proper work — and even a competitive advantage for your business.

Final Thoughts

As a small business owner, it’s essential to approach remote work with an open mind. While it may not suit every business or every employee, dismissing it outright could mean missing out on significant benefits. By understanding the challenges and implementing effective solutions, you can determine whether working from home is proper work for your team.

So, is working from home proper work? The answer is yes — if you make it so.