Disadvantages of homeworking employees

Economic discrimination against workers at home
Social disadvantages of home work
Piece work
Outwork
Prejudicial treatment of outworkers

Nature

Homeworking employees or sub-contractors often experience the conditions of sweated labour including very low payment, long hours (frequently including the night), no paid absences or other benefits, and poor working conditions. In addition, tools, equipment or materials may provide hazards for which there is inadequate protection. Especially for women there is the strain of combining employment and housework in the same place. The circumstances of outwork cannot readily be improved by collective action, as the workers are too dispersed. A great number of homeworkers may find the conditions isolating and depressing. Outwork may be a device to return women to the home, and this will reverse progress made towards equal pay and opportunities for women.

Background

The disadvantages of homeworking employees gained global prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote work became a necessity rather than a choice. Initial enthusiasm for flexibility soon gave way to widespread reports of isolation, diminished collaboration, and blurred work-life boundaries. As organizations across diverse sectors adopted long-term remote policies, academic studies and international surveys began documenting the unintended negative impacts, prompting renewed scrutiny of homeworking’s broader social and organizational consequences.

Incidence

The shift to homeworking has affected millions of employees globally, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated remote work adoption in 2020. Surveys indicate that by 2022, over 25% of workers in advanced economies such as the United States, United Kingdom, and parts of Europe were working from home at least part-time. This widespread transition has exposed a range of disadvantages, including social isolation, blurred work-life boundaries, and unequal access to suitable home office environments, making it a significant and persistent issue across diverse sectors and regions.
In 2021, a study conducted in Japan revealed that nearly 40% of remote employees reported increased feelings of loneliness and stress compared to pre-pandemic levels. The research, published by the Japan Productivity Center, highlighted that these negative effects were particularly pronounced among younger workers and those living alone, underscoring the mental health challenges associated with large-scale homeworking in urban environments.

Claim

The disadvantages of homeworking employees represent a critical problem that organizations cannot afford to ignore. Remote work often leads to isolation, diminished team collaboration, and blurred work-life boundaries, ultimately harming productivity and employee well-being. Furthermore, it undermines company culture and makes effective supervision nearly impossible. If businesses continue to overlook these serious drawbacks, they risk long-term damage to both their workforce and their overall success. This issue demands urgent attention and decisive action.

Counter-claim

Outwork is intended for both men and women. It offers workers flexible hours; no travel time, travel inconveniences or travel fatigue; healthier work environments than congested offices or factories; and opportunities for more contact between the homeworker and his or her family. When desired, decentralized neighbourhood work centres, or other small groupings of workers in homes can be provided.