Work from home became a widespread norm in the corporate world as many workers had to transition their working arrangements from in office to at home during the pandemic. Although this widespread phenomenon is slowly dispersing, there are still many companies today in the post covid era giving employees different work arrangements. Such works include but are not limited to remote and hybrid work from home options.
This blog post will cover the pros and cons of work at home arrangements as well as tips for work-life balance and staying productive while working at home.
Let’s start with the benefits of working from home:
1. Flexible schedule
Work from home gives workers the choice to work during their most productive hours. Whether you are juggling between childcare or appointments, work from home lets workers tailor work to their schedule.
2. No commute
Workers who live far from work are able to save time commuting to and from work and avoid rush hours. Saving commute time gives workers extra time in the morning to hit an extra snooze button or get ready for the day.
3. Cost Saving
Cost spent on transportation and lunch can be reduced because work from home gives workers the flexibility of multitasking that they may usually otherwise have to do after work.
4. Global job opportunities
Workers aren’t limited to their geographical location or time zone and can apply to jobs better fit for them elsewhere in the world. Relocation is unnecessary and workers can stay at their desired place.
5. Preferred time zone
Teams around the world are able to tune in during their preferred time, making it easier to tailor to each team member’s everyday workflow. Workers may also work in different countries for emergency or personal reasons and avoid taking vacation days off.
Although there is a great list of reasons why work from home may be the best option for some, here are some other reasons to consider.
1. Isolation and loneliness
Workers can feel isolated and lonely when casual talks with coworkers become more difficult working from home. Lost connection and isolation can decrease employee morale.
2. Work-life imbalance
With great power comes great responsibility. Unlike a traditional 9-to-5 job, working from home can blur the lines between work and personal time because there are no set hours for breaks or work.
3. Decreased team bonding
Team morale may decrease because there are no more casual chats, lunch breaks together, or team bonding events that used to happen every day. Decreased morale can lead to miscommunication and unclear objectives and goals for the team.
4. Technology dependence
Homes with weak WIFI connection will not be able to work productively. Moreover, workers not as good with technology may struggle to work from home because asking for help off-site becomes more difficult. Older workers may be more prone to this problem.
5. Lack of access to office resources
Work from home may not be a practical option for some as certain office resources may be needed for the work they do. Workers may have to either use personal equipment or pay out of pocket for these resources.
Want to create a healthy work life balance but not sure where to start? Here are some suggestions:
1. Set clear working hours
Whether working at home or in the office, make sure to set clear working hours and clock out when the time is up. This may mean muting work emails or work related messages on your devices.
2. Create a dedicated workspace
Having a specific workspace helps your body and mind understand when it's time to work and when it's time to relax. This practice makes it easier to separate work time from free time.
3. Take regular breaks
Sitting and working for long periods may not be the most productive way of working. Make sure to take breaks to give your brain a rest. Go out for a walk or get a drink of water.
4. Learn to say no
Saying no can be hard especially if you’re a people pleaser. To prevent overworking, evaluate your workload and learn to say no when it’s unrealistic.
5. Practice self care
Spend time after work hours practicing self care whether it's getting exercise or spending the night in watching your favorite movie. Self care improves your mental health and prevents burnout.
Already work from home? Make sure you have integrated these tips into your work routine:
1. Creating a structured routine
Creating a structured routine helps clearing the lines between work hours and relaxation time. Following a routine also helps structure your life and helps you manage your time more efficiently.
2. Designing a comfortable workspace
A benefit to working from home is being able to choose where you want to work. Which means you don’t have to contain yourself to a cubicle, rather you can choose a workspace that you feel comfortable and most productive in.
3. Set up effective communication with your team
Lots of miscommunication can happen with everyone being in different time zones or workspaces. To ensure clear and effective communication, try having weekly meetings and check-ins with the team.
Leveraging the right technology can significantly improve your remote work experience. Litespace is an AI-powered people management platform designed to enhance team productivity and culture in remote and hybrid work environments.
Key Features
By utilizing platforms like Litespace, organizations can address common remote work challenges, fostering a more connected and efficient workforce.
Working from home has become common and shows that companies can still succeed with flexible work arrangements. Whether it's fully remote, hybrid, or a mix of both, these work-from-home options are likely to stay.
Embrace the future of work by optimizing your remote work experience. Boost employee morale, productivity, and inclusivity in remote and hybrid settings with Litespace. Check it out for more information!
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