It is not unknown for workers to return to the office after a trial period of homeworking. Common problems include:
- social isolation which can lead to stress and depression;
- reduced knowledge of what is going on in the workplace, which can hamper career progression;
- difficulty keeping work and home life separate;
- danger of overworking, as the office is always there;
- loss of contact with colleagues;
- reduced living space; and
- being overlooked by office-based staff.
The Helplines Association, which represents many charity helplines, draws attention to some of the disadvantages of working alone at home:
- Handling angry or abusive calls can be hard. In an office, there are other people to support you.
- There is less opportunity to share experience and learn about your job from others at work.
- It is more difficult to develop new relationships, and to discuss work experiences.
