Work environments can make or break employee happiness, fulfillment and productivity. Whether you work at an office, sit behind a computer most of the day or never see the inside of a cubicle, the pros and cons can be relative.
“Everyone has a different definition of the ideal work experience,†says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of Human Resources at CareerBuilder. “For some, it’s being in the thick of the action in the office. For others, it’s the flexibility of not working behind a desk. There are advantages and disadvantages to both scenarios. With any job, it’s important to find a work environment that is suited to your work style and interests and where you can thrive.â€
Recent research revealed advantages and disadvantages from desk and non-desk workers. Check out this top 10 of perks and problems for each:
DESK JOB: ADVANTAGES
- Access to technology/Internet: 72%
- Having a job that is not physically demanding: 60%
- Having a routine: 59%
- Ability to communicate with company leaders and peers more easily: 33%
- Opportunity to build closer relationships with company leaders and peers: 25%
DESK JOB: DISADVANTAGES
- Not enough physical activity: 56%
- Staring at a computer screen most of the day: 56%
- Stuck inside most of the day: 51%
- Doing the same work every day, not enough variety: 24%
- More distractions/disruptions from co-workers: 23%
NON-DESK JOB: ADVANTAGES
- Ability to stay more physically active: 68%
- Variety in their workday: 54%
- Not being stuck in front of a computer all day: 51%
- Having more flexibility: 41%
- Not having to get dressed up to go to work: 39%
NON-DESK JOB: DISADVANTAGES
- Exhausted from working on my feet all day: 35%
- More prone to injury or illness: 24%
- Less recognition for my efforts: 17%
- Not as informed about new company developments: 15%
- Less chance for upward mobility: 11%