20 Apr WFH Life – is it for everyone?
At the moment, it is safe to say that most of us are either working from home or know someone that is. The whole transition has been somewhat overwhelming, especially for those who are used to the buzz of a city-based, hectic working environment. Luckily, we live in a time where technology keeps us connected to the things we care about.
For
The whole concept of working from home is familiar yet strange. Companies are continuing to carry out daily meetings through numerous digital platforms, so is this new way of working a negative? Employees are spending less time and money commuting which means there is more time for productivity compared to squeezing your way onto one of those rush hour trains.
Working from home also gives employees the freedom and sense of well-being they may need. With mental health being such an important topic, this is an opportunity for ‘me’ time. This could be spending a lunch break practicing YouTube yoga or even playing with a pet. Our client Aquarium Software recently shared a blog about working from home with four-legged friends here.
Against
However, a survey conducted by The Institute for Employment Studies (IES) has actually found that half of employees working from home are unhappy with their work-life balance. Most of us relate to having a routine-based life and an interruption to this can be confusing. Finding motivation or self-discipline can be difficult with many people also feeling pressure from a constant stream of negative media and fearful of illness.
Collaborative teamwork also plays a vital role in many jobs. When communication is replaced with video calls and email, it can really limit interaction. Loneliness is a huge factor in all of this. Many people now working on their own may need that human connection they were so used to.
What is next?
It is really hard for anyone to say when this will end or if anything will return to the way it once was. If there is one benefit, it is that companies will be a lot more lenient towards working from home. If people are given the choice as to what works best for them, it will benefit both them and their employer. It comes down to trust and productivity.
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