The good and the bad of working from home
It’s been a growing trend for nearly a decade, but working from home is something many people have had to take on for the first time during COVID-19. For most, it’s been a welcome change: 2 in 3 people say they’d prefer to work from home even when restrictions are lifted, a SEEK study has found.
So, aside from working in active wear – what are the things people most like about working from home, and what are the downsides?
The good
People working from home report that they’re feeling more positive about their jobs than those who aren’t.
Flexibility is a top benefit – people like spending the extra time with family and being able to moderate their own workload.
This greater level of autonomy is improving productivity, with 4 in 5 people saying they’re equally, if not more productive than when they’re in the office.
The non-commute is a definite perk for those who have to travel for work. Close to 4 out of 5 people say they’d work from home at least one day a week if they had the choice.
The bad
For some, working from home isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Not surprisingly, over 30% of people say missing human interaction is the major challenge. The feelings of isolation are much higher for non-parents, with 45% missing that face-to-face collaboration.
People in the ‘feeling less productive’ camp find the distractions of home life (TV and chores) a major roadblock, especially without the clear-cut delineation of work and home responsibilities. This goes for parents and non-parents alike.
Tech issues, managing equipment and bouncing between video conferencing calls present hurdles for some, and have a direct impact on productivity.
While the flexibility is much appreciated, almost 45% of parents say being distracted by their kids is a big problem. Navigating work, remote learning and parenting has impacted productivity for this group.
Not everyone has embraced remote working – 21% of people say they wouldn’t work from home even if they had the choice. This is particularly true for people in entry-level roles and for those whose work has not been impacted by COVID-19.
The survey also found that there’s a heightened level of uncertainty and anxiety about going back to the workplace in the future.
Making remote working better
Working from home has its own unique challenges, but there are things you can do to make it a more positive experience.
These tips can help you structure your day while working from home, and these steps can help you get your tech needs sorted. These 5 ways to make working from home better can help you stay connected and productive.
And, if you’re missing the connection with your colleagues, check out these ways to bring the social side of work to life online.
Source: Independent research conducted by Nature on behalf of SEEK. Interviewing 4800 Australians annually.
