One of the major trends brought by the COVID-19 pandemic is the increased adoption of virtual work arrangements. With the restrictions due to the global health crisis, many businesses have shifted their operations online.
Remote staff is most prevalent in the technology industry. In the software development sector, many organizations are now considering remote-first options when it comes to hiring developers. The increased availability of effective tools enables virtual software development teams to work remotely and deliver the same level of efficiency and productivity.
Two dominant factors that make remote work preferred are the cost and productivity of these work set up. At the outset, home-based developers seem most advantageous to both the worker and the employees. But while it comes with many advantages, it also entails some drawbacks.
So, which is the better workplace for developers: home-based or office? Here we take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of these two work settings.
Home-Based Developer: Pros and Cons
Pros
· Tech tools abound
IT solutions and devices are making it easier to perform offsite work. There are tools and software that can be used at different stages of program development. Utilizing this digital boom to remote working can ensure a relaxed working pattern for software development teams.
· Work everywhere, anytime
Home-based developers enjoy the flexibility of their work set up. They can literally work right at the comfort of their home. Likewise, their work hours aren’t restricted to regular office hours, hence, they can achieve a better work-life balance.
· Seamless connectivity
Technology plays a major role in off-site work arrangements, particularly in communication. Fortunately, there are now various tools that enable the seamless connection of home-based developers. From instant messaging apps to customized portals to video conferencing tools, these communication channels allow continuous connection and work 24/7.
· Save on utilities
Offsite setup for developers means savings in terms of electricity bills, rentals, team budget, equipment, etc. The amount of savings can go to more important expenses, such as building a better offsite system.
· Comfortable work
Perhaps this is the best advantage of working from home. With this setup, developers experience the comfort of home which enables them to do more and be more creative. This results in better output. Owl Lab shares some useful tips to improve work at home efficiency.
Cons
· Potential errors
Even with the best communication stream, errors can happen when developers work offsite. Errors can range from minor bugs to major app failure causing you deep troubles.
· Poor company culture
Completely home-based developers are unable to interact personally with their colleagues. As such, there is the tendency of being unable to build closer connections. This can hinder the development of company culture.
· Time difference
One of the challenges of virtual work setup is the differences in time zones. Given the variable availability of developers, setting an urgent meeting is nearly impossible. Discussions among the team members need to be scheduled through online meeting portals.
Onsite Developer: Pros and Cons
Pros
· Teamwork
Development teams who work in a physical office develop strong connections and bonds among team members. The spirit of teamwork is palpable, hence, they can achieve goals far better. Often, camaraderie is built through informal interactions in the office.
· Productivity
While the issue of productivity is debatable, companies that hire dedicated .NET developers who work in a controlled environment tend to be more productive. Unlike home-based developers who work by themselves, employees in the office are more motivated and have higher morale because they have each other’s support.
· Direct supervision
The office environment gives the company direct control over the developers. It is easier to make decisions and solve problems when the developers are around the office. Likewise, monitoring and tracking their work is much easier.
· Security
Cybersecurity remains one of the challenges of virtual work. In an office setting, it is easier to protect the confidentiality and security of data. The risk of cybersecurity threats is also minimized, especially with stringent security policies.
· Lack of distraction
Another hindrance to offsite work is the abundance of distractions at home. This can be avoided in a controlled environment such as the office. You are assured that developers are working on the tasks assigned to them.
Cons
· Costly
Dedicating physical space for the developers entails a lot of costs. From utilities to hardware and software assets to rentals, running an office requires a great deal of investment. For businesses that are tight on budget, this can be a major drawback.
· Less efficiency
Although there is better control in the office, monitoring the efficiency of work can be difficult. The management needs to develop a system wherein each developer’s output is properly assessed and evaluated. Most of the time, developers can produce more output but are just waiting for the time to run out. It’s up to the management to devise systems that will maximize every onsite employee’s performance.
