Why Working from Home Could Be a Good Thing
Our workplaces are constantly changing and so is the way we do our work.
Amidst the pandemic, many employees and organizations have had the opportunity to discover that working from home could be a viable option for the future.
According to a report done by Owl Labs, 70% of employees working from home during the pandemic reported they found virtual meetings less stressful.
Several studies have been conducted over the past months since the onset of the pandemic to today showing that productivity is improved when employees work from home as compared to working in an office setting. It is reported that in an average workweek those who work from home are found to be more consistent with their work, work more hours, are less stressed, more focused and able to get more done. Many of the clients I work with have reported that when they work from home, they have less distractions, are able to stay focused on their work and because there is no commuting, they are able to jump into work much quicker. This experience is supported by a study done by Standford where they reported results for 16,000 employees, finding that working from home led to a 13% increase in performance, fewer breaks and sick days, increased job satisfaction and attrition rates dropped by 50%.
It is anticipated that by 2025, there will be massive generational shifts in the workforce forcing 75% of organizations to adapt their workforce strategies to meet the demands for flexibility while looking for ways to ensure productivity and quality of work are meeting the needs of the organization.
Working from home can be more productive than working in an office for several reasons:
1. Reduced commuting time: One of the biggest advantages of working from home is the elimination of commuting. Commuting to the office can be time-consuming, stressful, cause anxiety, and energy draining. By working from home, employees can save significant time that would otherwise be spent on traveling, allowing them to start their workday earlier, be more alert, less stressed and be more productive.
2. Fewer distractions: Offices can be full of distractions, such as colleagues stopping by for casual conversations, impromptu meetings, or office noise. When individuals work from home, they can create a quieter and more focused environment, minimizing interruptions and increasing their ability to concentrate on their tasks.
3. Increased autonomy and flexibility: Working from home often provides greater autonomy and flexibility in managing one's work. Employees can structure their day according to their most productive hours, take breaks when needed, and customize their work environment to suit their preferences. This level of control over their work conditions can lead to increased productivity and satisfaction.
4. Comfort and personalization: Being in a familiar and comfortable environment allows individuals to personalize their workspace to suit their needs and preferences. They can set up their desk, lighting, temperature, and other elements according to their liking, which can enhance their comfort and overall well-being. Feeling comfortable and in control of the work environment can contribute to improved productivity.
5. Reduced interpersonal conflicts and distractions: In an office setting, there can be various dynamics and interpersonal conflicts or issues can divert attention away from work. Gossip, office politics, personality differences and other interpersonal issues can have an impact on productivity. Working from home minimizes exposure to these distractions, enabling individuals to focus solely on their work tasks.
6. Increased focus and concentrated work: When individuals are able to increase their focus it can help them reach a state of peak concentration that helps them increase the quality and quantity of their work, called “deep work”. Some individuals find it easier to achieve a state of deep work and prolonged concentration when working from home. Without the constant interruptions and noise commonly found in office environments, individuals can dedicate uninterrupted blocks of time to tackle complex or demanding tasks, leading to more focused and productive work sessions.
While working from home can offer these productivity benefits, it's worth noting that it also presents its own set of challenges, such as
potential distractions from home responsibilities
isolation and loneliness
create a feeling of disconnection with others in the office
difficulties separating work and personal life
Achieving optimal productivity requires self-discipline, effective time management, and the ability to establish boundaries.
Employers can help employees to be more successful from working at home by establishing a few best practices,
Ensure open communication to discuss common work challenges and strategies to resolve these challenges
Set clear working from home productivity and quality standards
Provide the right tools to perform the work
Set aside specific, scheduled days, times and methods for team interactions
Consistent coaching, feedback and wellness check to ensure everything and everyone involved are getting their needs met to ensure success for the employee, the team and the organization.
One final tip:
One of the benefits of working from home, is an individual can fit their work around their personal life. Rather than focusing on the number of hours an employee is putting in, focus on the work they are getting done, the deadlines that are being met and the quality of the work they are providing..
Working from home doesn’t work for anyone, but if it fits the employee and the business needs, it might be worth a try.
