Where should we work? The big debate!

I love gardening, but I’m terrible at it. After years of trying, the only thing I can reliably grow is roses. They’re picky, but I figured out what they need to thrive. Sadly, I can't say the same for the rest of my garden.

Workplaces are like gardens. Think of the garden as your work environment, the plants as your team, and you, the leader, as the gardener.

A smart gardener knows that not all plants thrive under the same conditions. Some need the full sun (in-office work), while others do better in the shade (remote work). The key? Creating an environment where each plant—and each employee—can flourish.

Recently, the ex-CEO of Google stirred the pot by linking remote work to lower productivity and less innovation during a talk at Stanford. He quickly retracted those statements, realizing that good gardening (and good leadership) requires a more nuanced approach.

So, let’s break it down: the pros and cons of working in the office versus remotely, and what we can do about it.

The Argument Against Remote Work

Collaboration & Innovation: Critics say remote work limits those spontaneous “aha!” moments that drive creativity.
Cultural Impact: It’s tough to keep a strong company culture with everyone spread out.
Productivity Concerns: Some worry that distractions at home and lack of oversight could hurt productivity.
Mentorship: Remote work can make it harder for junior employees to get the mentorship they need.

The Benefits of Remote Work

Boosted Productivity: Stanford’s Nick Bloom found that remote work can increase productivity by 13% due to fewer distractions.
Wider Talent Pool: Remote work lets companies hire the best talent, no matter where they live.
Cost Savings: Both businesses and employees save on office space, commuting, and other expenses.
Environmental Impact: Less commuting means a smaller carbon footprint.

The Hybrid Work Model: A Compromise

Flexibility & Collaboration: Hybrid models mix the best of both worlds—remote work’s flexibility with the collaboration benefits of office time.
Tailored Work: Employees can choose when to be in the office for teamwork and when to work from home for focused tasks.
Retention: Hybrid models cater to different preferences, keeping employees happier and more loyal.
Productivity Structure: In-office days provide structure while maintaining the flexibility that remote work offers.

Practical Takeaways for Leaders

Set Clear Expectations: Define when and where work should happen.
Invest in Tech: Ensure your team has the tools they need, whether they’re at home or in the office.
Foster Culture: Keep your company culture strong with regular team-building and open communication.
Stay Flexible: Be adaptable and listen to feedback—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

Just like a great gardener balances sunlight and shade to help plants thrive, leaders need to find the right mix of remote and in-office work to grow a productive, engaged team. Set clear expectations, invest in the right tools, and nurture a strong company culture. That way, everyone in your organisation can flourish, no matter where they’re rooted.