The Covid-19 pandemic that spread across the globe at an alarming rate in 2020 and 2021 has left behind a lasting impression. The global emergency changed almost every aspect of life, from how we travel to food availability, the fitness industry, professional sports, and more. Even the traditional 9-5 working day couldn’t escape the clutches of the coronavirus.
Luckily, many temporary measures ushered in by officials and police during the pandemic have already become a thing of the past. Others had a more long-lasting impact on life and have become what’s now known as ‘the new normal.’ The best example of this was employment and how we worked on daily commitments.
Working from home has become part of a new, hybrid business model. Millions of employees worldwide can now complete tasks remotely, either from home, in a shared office space, or when on the move using a smartphone. It applies to almost all industries, from financial consultants to engineers and business mentors. Learn new skills, such as improving your writing, investing in crypto, or how to bet on basketball, all without leaving your home.
Career-long dream
What are the pros and cons of working from home? Is it moving in the right direction and realizing a career-long dream for the nation’s overworked employees? Perhaps you think it spells trouble and will lead to a generation of lonely and depressed workers.
Whatever your views on working from home, also known as WFH, one thing is sure it’s here to stay. Working remotely or on a hybrid of office and WFH is the future, meaning we must adapt to the challenges while enjoying the benefits.
You may remember just a few years ago when a request to your employer to work just one shift from home would’ve attracted ridicule. According to those in charge, it was unworkable, unmanageable, and downright lazy. That was until it suited their needs to operate during the lockdown.
Benefits of WFH
Working from home is nothing new, of course. It has been available to only a select few until recently. It was for freelance writers and e-commerce managers, in most cases. But now, WFH is offered to millions across different sectors.
One of the main benefits is flexibility. It allows people to manage their workload around their family life and get a better work-life balance. That was a life enjoyed only by the semi-retired until 2020.
Not being out of the house during office hours meant workers could do the school run, make dental appointments, enjoy an extended lunch, and generally have more control over their schedule. But that’s not the only positive.
Increased productivity
People who WFH have reported increased productivity and enjoyment of their careers. The standard 60-minute commute to the office is now a 30-second walk to your home office. Do you usually race out of the block to catch the train?
That’s not an issue when working from your kitchen table. Not needing to commute to and from a base produces extra time for work. The funds required for an annual bus pass or train ticket have become extra cash.
Drawbacks of WFH
Working from home has been embraced by millions, but it’s not without critics. But what’s not to like about sitting on the sofa taking work calls in your slacks? For many, precisely that.
We are social creatures, and WFH threatens that. Cracks appear without a main city block where workers meet, chat, do business, and visit local eateries. Also, lounging at home in pajamas without professionalism can lower mood and a sense of purpose.
Then there’s the obvious; the distractions. Anyone who has ever worked from home knows a home can be chaotic. It could be the doorbell to take in your neighbor’s delivery, a sick child, door-to-door sales, emptying the dishwasher, window cleaners, and general household chores. They’re present daily, and it isn’t easy to ignore.
How to improve your WFH experience
If you enjoy working from home, we’re happy for you and hope it continues. But if you’re one of the many people still adjusting to the WFH format, you can do a few things to settle.
Creating barriers helps. Set a full rota and stick to it, ignoring late emails or calls. You may work from home, but you’re not available to work when you’re at home. And get out of the house for some fresh air and human interaction as often as possible.