Working from home sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Zero commutes, no more awkward water cooler conversations, plus the independence – it’s no wonder many people didn’t hesitate when many of us needed to shift due to the pandemic.
But it’s not all butterflies and rainbows either. Remote work, like everything else in life, has its own ups and downs.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Working from Home
Most people will have this picture in their heads about how working from home should look like.
For some, it’s sitting happily in bed with your laptop as the sun gently shines through your window. For others, it’s zipping through tasks with your favorite song in the background, as you sip afternoon coffee (or tea). But many employees will tell you that for the most part, it’s just back-to-back Zoom calls.
One of the great things about working from home is getting to spend more time with loved ones. This is a great option for employees who need to take care of elderly parents or of very young children. It’s a nice alternative for individuals with health issues, too.
A good number of people will also rave about savings. With no need to commute or buy morning coffee, you can save a good deal once you start remote work. This figure is highly subjective though. As there are people who claimed working from home increased their spending due to increased take outs.
While it’s awesome that you can have more snack breaks, productivity at home can be different.
Even as early as 2017, there have been reports of decreased focused and concentration when working at home. Not to mention a lack of motivation. While you may not enjoy all those water cooler sessions, you do miss some of your co-workers and the camaraderie you guys shared.
Another issue is inadequate office equipment. Unlike at your office where you can have a nice chair, desk, and a fast connection, your home may not have similar amenities. You can try to replicate the environment by buying stuff. But at the end of the day, the office still has more specialized equipment that’s well-suited for the job.
So: is working from home a boon or a bust? Well, yes and no. Depending on individual circumstances as well as other factors (e.g. equipment, connectivity, number of distractions, etc.), this strategy can hurt or boost productivity.
But one thing’s for sure – for now, it’s here to stay.
Relatable Work from Home Memes
Working from home is no walk in the park. But with these relatable – and hilarious – work from home memes, you can (hopefully) make each day bearable.