Will working from home change how you work?
“As we shifted to remote work during COVID, it made us reassess our product roadmap and think critically about the parts of our workday we could dismantle and reassemble. How can we change the ways we work remotely? What are the areas that need improvement? Where can we reduce friction?”
-John Furneaux, CEO and Co-Founder, Hive in an interview for Authority Magazine
In January 2020, I began working from home. The Corona virus pandemic had not set in just yet, and the arrangement was only meant to be short-term. However, with the onset of the pandemic, what was originally meant to be transitory became much more long-term.
Of course, adjusting to remote working took some time. While not the most outgoing person, I did miss the lively yet productive environment of an office. As the rest of the year progressed, I found myself, like the rest of the world, settling into the new normal.
According to research conducted by a Stanford economist, working from home can have larger repercussions for the economy of a country. But does working from home really change the way we work?
Flexibility
Being no longer tied to fixed hours at an office, employees are more willing to be flexible. That is, beginning their work earlier or later in the day. They may even be willing to work for some hours during the weekends.
Productivity
With commuting no longer an issue, employees can choose to work longer hours. The lack of distractions at home also creates a quieter environment where employees can focus better. Away from the usual distractions of an office environment, their productivity can increase, as will their self-motivation.
The extra time employees save with the lack of commuting can also go towards self-improvement. They can use this time to learn new skills and gain additional knowledge to do their job better.
Productivity
With commuting no longer an issue, employees can choose to work longer hours. The lack of distractions at home also creates a quieter environment where employees can focus better. Away from the usual distractions of an office environment, their productivity can increase, as will their self-motivation.
The extra time employees save with the lack of commuting can also go towards self-improvement. They can use this time to learn new skills and gain additional knowledge to do their job better.
Motivation
Working from home gives employees a certain sense of freedom. Their work is no longer closely monitored, which will encourage them to create a routine that works best for them. The lack of constant scrutiny also leads them to feel and appreciate the trust their employers place on them.
Are there any changes you have noticed in the way you work from home? Let us know in the comments below.
