Work Near Home (WNH): A Productive and Sustainable Alternative to WFH

WNH remote offices not only maintain business security and in-person communication for employers, but also save commuting time for employees and reduce carbon emissions.

Anthony Tran
ILLUMINATION
3 min readMar 17, 2024

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The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards work from home (WFH) remote work, sparking a heated debate about the future of the workplace. While some traditional employers prefer the familiarity of in-person communication and the perceived control over their staff, studies have shown that WFH arrangements can lead to higher productivity and employee satisfaction.

According to McKinsey’s research, highly skilled and highly educated positions are best suited for remote work environments, with more than three-quarters of activities able to be done without a loss of worker productivity. Companies surveyed throughout the pandemic reported that work-from-home experiences were better than expected, with researchers estimating a 4.6% increase in productivity gains in work-from-home settings.

However, concerns about information security and the lack of face-to-face interaction have been weighing on employers’ minds. Coming to the rescue is a work near home (WNH) approach, which is an enhanced solution that combines the benefits of both WFH and traditional office environments.

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Instead of dividing offices by teams/departments, the WNH approach proposes organizing workspaces based on employee’s residence locations. This concept involves setting up small, satellite (plug-and-play) offices equipped with the necessary IT security and support staff, strategically located within a 30-minute commute from employees’ homes, particularly for those who live far from the central business district where organizations typically have their main offices.

By reducing travel time and providing a focused work environment, this model aims to enhance productivity while maintaining a sense of structure and collaboration, with key benefits such as:

  • Increased Productivity: With shorter commute times and fewer distractions from colleagues, employees can focus on their tasks, while reducing their stress levels from commuting in busy traffic.
  • Rental cost savings: Companies can save on real estate costs by downsizing their central offices and opting for smaller, distributed workspaces.
  • Environmental sustainability: Reduced commuting contributes to lower carbon emissions, aligning with the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in business decisions.

Therefore, it is not surprising WNH, which is a form of “work from anywhere”, could result in a 4.4% increase in employee output compared to traditional work from home (WFH) policies.

This WNH workplace model can also have a positive impact on local economies in areas where employees live.

First, as employees are likely to stay in the nearby office area for meals and other daily needs, local businesses would benefit from increased foot traffic and consumer spending.

Second, real estate agencies that revive old buildings by converting them into small satellite workspaces can contribute to the rejuvenation of local property markets.

Overcoming Challenges

That said, the success of the WNH model relies on the adoption of advanced remote working technologies and a shift in managerial mindset. Employers must prioritize productivity and results over the desire for direct oversight and control.

Despite the obvious benefits, it is important to note that the WNH model may not be suitable for all companies or positions. Remote work is most beneficial for highly skilled and highly educated roles where more than three-quarters of activities can be completed without a loss of worker productivity.

For companies with employees who are resistant to learning new working methods or have managers with a calcified mindset, the WNH approach may not benefit the company or the environment.

Not only about productivity, implementing a WNH workplace model demonstrates a company’s commitment to ESG principles. By reducing the environmental impact of commuting and providing employees with a better well-being. This approach not only benefits the environment but also attracts socially conscious investors and customers who value companies that prioritize ESG initiatives.

As organizations prioritize ESG principles, the WNH model is poised to revolutionize the future of work, benefiting employees, employers, and local communities alike, particularly for companies with highly skilled and adaptable workforces.

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