Working from home is more common now than ever. Events in the past few years meant that a lot of people were forced to work remotely. Some companies realized that remote work saved them money on overhead and had other benefits for the company and the employees. Because of this, workers in some industries continue to work remotely and some will probably never be required to go back into the office. The concerns about employees working from home surround two main issues: efficiency and productivity.
Can you be as productive at home?
It’s easy to understand why you may not work as hard at home as you would in the office. You likely feel much more relaxed at home, and it can be harder to stay focused on your job. Plus, the social aspect of working around others often keeps people on task and allows for collaboration and for questions to be answered quickly when an issue arises. Working from home means you don’t have someone to keep you accountable in the same way you would in an office setting. For some people, this lack of accountability prevents them from working as efficiently.
Keeping work and home separated is important
Being home while you work can blur the lines between your professional life and your personal life. Learning to separate the two is key if you want to be productive while working at home. Getting distracted while you’re supposed to be working can significantly decrease your productivity. Many people who work remotely find it best to keep to a similar morning routine as if they were going into the office. This signifies when the workday starts and helps you acknowledge that it’s time to begin your day.
Remote work isn’t for everyone
Working from home can feel isolating, especially for those who crave social interaction. Feeling lonely can keep you from getting as much done as you would when surrounded by coworkers. Plus, in the long term it could lead to more serious feelings of depression. Not everyone is cut out for remote work and many people prefer the social aspect of working amongst peers.
Working from home has benefits, but it’s not ideal for everyone. Some people miss the opportunity to interact with coworkers during the day. Employers may worry that keeping employees at home decreases their productivity. This can be true, but some workers thrive while being at home in a familiar and comfortable environment. Employers may soon find that they must evaluate employees on a case-to-case basis to determine which employees are more productive when working from home and which do better on-site.
