Academic Writing - Task 2 (Model Answer)

Some people think that the increasingly flexible working environment nowadays, such as working at home, has a positive impact on workers' lives. Others, however, feel this development is just a means for organisations such as private companies to exploit workers for profit. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Today there is an increasing trend for workers to not go into work but rather work from home or from other remote areas. The reason being given is that due to advanced technology workers can operate and carry out their work from any working environment. They don’t necessarily need to be at a fixed office location.

Workers might think they are getting a good deal because they don’t have to wake up early, no time is wasted on public transport, there is no pressure to dress for the job and above all they get to work in the comfort of their own surroundings. In fact, they may even be able to fit in personal errands during working hours or take frequent breaks.

In reality, however, employees might actually be working more hours than they would at the office where everything operates in a structured manner. Company owners will have cost savings in terms of electricity, maintenance of equipment, stationary etc as workers will be utilising their own space to produce work. Companies might even pay their staff lower wages using the fact that they work off location as an excuse. Finally, workers may in fact feel isolated and lack social contact when they are outside an office environment.

I believe that workers benefit in terms of feeling relaxed in their own environment and being able to slot in some time for their personal chores. On the other hand, private companies also get to save costs when they support a flexible working environment for their staff members. They also benefit from the increased productivity of workers.

Question taken from Direct to IELTS, Student's Book p.14