Who Are the Real Winners of Working From Home?

Who Are the Real Winners of Working From Home?

Working from home has become part of everyday working life. What was once a perk or an exception is now, for many, the norm. And on the surface, the benefits for employees are clear.

More time with family. No daily commute. Fewer rushed mornings and no need for expensive lunchtime meal deals.

For many people, flexible and remote working has genuinely improved quality of life. But are employees really the winners here?

In the nature of my job, I speak to a lot of candidates across the property and professional services sectors, and a different picture often emerges once the conversation goes a little deeper.

The Hidden Cost of “Flexibility”

A recurring theme I hear is this:

“When my laptop is at home, I often log in out of hours.” “I just want to make sure all my emails are responded to.” “I’ll quickly finish that project in the evening.”

What starts as flexibility can quietly turn into longer working hours. When your office is your kitchen table or spare room, the boundary between work time and personal time becomes blurred.

Many candidates admit they feel a constant pressure to prove that working from home is effective — to demonstrate productivity, commitment and visibility.

The result? Working earlier, finishing later, and never quite switching off.

Always “On”, Rarely Off

Without the natural end to the day that comes from leaving an office, work can easily creep into evenings and weekends. A quick email check becomes a full inbox clear-out.

Some candidates worry that flexibility might be perceived as a lack of dedication. Others feel they have to work harder than ever to justify being trusted at home.

In these cases, who is really benefiting?

The Culture Question

I might be showing my age, but I still genuinely value the benefits of being part of a team. Teams that celebrate the wins together and support each other through the tougher times. Those moments matter.

While technology keeps us connected, it doesn’t fully replace the shared experience of working alongside others. Culture doesn’t happen by accident, and it’s much harder to build when people rarely see one another.

For remote teams, regular get-togethers aren’t a “nice to have” — they’re vital. They create trust, strengthen relationships and help maintain a truly seamless working culture.

Learning the Trade

This is especially important for those entering the workplace. There is a limit to how much you can learn over a Teams call.

Early in my career, I learned by listening, observing and, in many ways, copying my peers. Overhearing conversations, watching how experienced colleagues handled situations, and picking up the unwritten “tricks of the trade” were invaluable.

These moments are harder to replicate remotely, yet they play a critical role in developing confidence, judgement and long-term success.

The Employer Advantage

From a business perspective, remote working brings clear advantages: reduced office costs, access to a wider talent pool, and often increased output.

That doesn’t mean employers are deliberately exploiting the situation, but without clear expectations and healthy boundaries, the balance can easily tip.

Making WFH Work Properly

Working from home can be a win-win — but only when it’s done well.

That means:

Clear expectations around working hours Trust based on outcomes, not online presence Encouraging people to switch off without guilt Managers leading by example Creating meaningful opportunities for teams to connect and learn together

For employees, it’s about recognising that productivity doesn’t mean being available 24/7, and that flexibility should work both ways.

So, Who Are the Real Winners?

Working from home isn’t inherently good or bad. For some, it has transformed their work-life balance. For others, it has quietly extended the working day and increased pressure.

The real winners are those who protect boundaries, invest in culture, and prioritise learning together rather than working apart. When implemented properly and respected on both sides, working from home works — for everyone.