Two recent studies show that working from home is very much here to stay.

The Institute of Directors (IoD) surveyed 1,000 organisations and found that 74% intend to continue with homeworking.

This follows on from a study by the BBC which showed that 50 of the UK’s biggest employers were not planning to return their staff to the office anytime soon.

While homeworking has proven popular and effective with both employers and employees, it doesn’t suit everyone. Particularly those living in shared accommodation where the only working space is often their bedroom.

It will also be challenging for those just starting out in their careers. This is a time where being among co-workers and colleagues provides ‘on-the-job’ training by osmosis. Certainly, some of the best lessons I learned from my early office days working in London was from watching and listening to those around me who had many years of experience.

And there is also the social side that working in an office brings. From lunch with your boss or mentor, to team drinks after hours. Such seemingly simple outings also help nurture and develop work-related skills.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of working from home as are many of my clients and colleagues. But that’s because most of us are at a point in our life where our careers are established and we have large enough homes with separate home office space. I am able to close the door at the end of the day and transition from work mode to social mode with ease.

For now, working from home will continue for those that can. And if it frees up office space for those that can’t, or find it a struggle, that can only be a good thing.