In this article we will examine both sides, without making a conclusion as this is partially personal preference or situation.

It should be noted that we are aware and have experience with all points discussed below, with a personal preference to working from home. That is partially because activities such as writing this blog can be done from anywhere with Wi-Fi, so no need to spend time travelling to a location. We are assuming that everybody has the exact same job, which requires no special secrecy connection or other protective measures. Naturally this essay is pointless for those who do not have office jobs as they do require specific physical attributes, making remote working difficult or tied to other requirements.

Working from home

When we say working from home, we mean remote working; so not per definition your own private home. A local diner, or distant sunny country are all possibilities. The only real requirement is that you are capable of doing your job from that location, which is not a office. Establishments designed to house remote workers, , a privilege for which the worker is also charged, are to be considered as offices; the author sees no genuine difference between these and a regular place of business. For simplicity, this article will assume most people work from their own private premises.

Pros

• You can start earlier, or sleep for a few hours extra, simply because of redundant travel time.
• You are less likely to be harassed by coworker who spend more time chatting than working. Having to compensate for their slack, however, is still an issue. The latter may actually get worse as they experience less social pressure to work.
• In some cases you get some degree of freedom to decide which tasks to do, even in which order. This may increase general productivity from having a (secret) say in the matter. Or might actually be a more efficient way of doing things altogether.
• No one attempts to steal your lunch from the fridge. Other forms of crime (leaving your wallet unattended in a crowded workplace is a genuine risk) are also less likely.

Cons

• Reduced  social bonding does reduce your chances of getting a promotion or desired assignment. This is most noticeable if you colleagues do work from the office or more often.
• Chatting with coworkers near a vending machine is a more socially accepted distraction from work than doing laundry. Though laundry is more value adding then idle chat.
• You are more easily distracted by private affairs, such as children or a spouse who are also at home.
• You have to pay for your own coffee. Governmental workers also pay in the office, via taxes, along with the rest of the population.

Working from an office

In this scenario you will go to work just as anyone else to be surrounded by your colleagues till the clock has struck enough hours. You will only leave the office for less than a single hour (most people only half that), during your lunch break. Leaving during lunch is optional, as eating from your desk is a more efficient use of worker`s time.

Pros

• Having more social contacts reduce your risk of many brain and psychological diseases. It also improves overall health.
• Being noticed by higher ups is good for you career.
• Some workplaces make sure that their workers have good IT widgets at their disposal, such as a second screen or recent software.

Cons

• You are forced to be super fun and chatty whenever someone else decides to approach you. Even when you are not addressed in a positive manner.
• Any gathering of people is disease factory.
• Travelling via public transport usually works fine, but in weather condition that are ideal for working from home (snow, storm etc.), they tend to drop rides leaving you stranded or very late.
• Open offices are a drain on focus and energy, thereby reducing productivity and mental health.