The invasion of the COVID pandemic at a time changed the face of how we go about work. Most organisations now offer jobs offer remote jobs implying employers can now work from home(WFH). This might sound less challenging, less stressful and more time to work at your own pace, but there is more to working remotely.
Working in your pyjamas, ditching the traffic going and coming, not clashing with your co-workers, and avoiding long commutes appear to be the advantages of working from home but there is more to it. See below:
1. WFH requires more discipline
Working from home is a job that requires minimal or no supervision. There is no boss to oversee your every move and no co-workers to keep tabs on your activities. However, working from home requires a certain amount of motivation and discipline to be able to get up and get busy with work especially if you are easily distracted by social media, just as if you had to go into the office. You need to set up a regular work schedule and adhering to it is critical in order to be able to get work done or meet deadlines.
2. WFH comes with distractions
Working from home may mean others infringing on your space. Your mother may think you have the time to run her to doctor’s appointments or go shopping for the day. Even your child’s school may think you have extra time for helping out with school events or field trips. Being resolute is an important part of being a remote worker. You need to draw boundaries so that family members do not affect your work schedule.
3. WFH might lead to the loss of work-life balance
When you’re working from home, you’re most likely to work round the clock. Since you’re working from your dining room, you might not find it easy to disengage yourself from work. This can lead to burnout and lower your motivation.
4. WFH leads to isolation
Isolation is one of the major disadvantages of remote work. Working remotely might make you feel lonely and isolated, especially if you stay alone. So if are used to office chats and banters, it may be difficult for you at the beginning to blend into WFH. However, if you think working alone affects your productivity, you can go to a workspace or cafe to get your work done.
5. WFH can be affected by unstable internet
While you work from home, you may experience unstable internet. It is best to have an alternative supply of internet. Unstable internet is not common in an office environment where there is steady internet to use for your daily tasks.