Is remote work as great as we think?
Wake up, grab a quick shower and roll into the living room (a whole 10 steps!), sip a cup of coffee and start your work dayworkday. If that doesn’t sound like a dream job situation – what does?
How great is that scenario? Remote working has been a boon for millions of professionals around the world. Suddenly, there’s so much time at hand to actually work once you’ve removed your daily commute and unnecessary time-wasterstimewasters in a physical office environment.
If we delve a little deeper into the nuances of remote working, though, is it the ideal scenario for everyone?
Yay for remote working
We all love the flexibility of choosing our work hours, getting to lounge around in a comfortable spot while attending meetings and sneaking out for a quick grocery run when necessary. There’s no traffic to battle, which means you have extra time to spend with your family. Also, many people thrive without constant office distractions and needless chatting.
Working remotely can also help save money on commuting, meals and even your wardrobe! Not that you should be living in your pyjamas every day, but there’s little need to splash out on expensive work outfits for your living room.
In our tough economic climate, remote work enables companies to hire talent from around the world, which can lead to a wider pool of job opportunities for people who may not have access to local opportunities.
The other side of remote working
On the other hand, not everyone takes to remote working like a duck to water. Remote work can be unavoidably isolating, especially if you are susceptible to anxiety and depression. An overwhelming lack of daily physical interactions with others can trigger serious feelings of seclusion and loneliness.
Working from home can also blur the lines between work and personal life, making it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance. When there’s no “physical” separation between starting and ending your work dayworkday – this can take a real toll on your wellbeing and ability to detach from work.
And of course, remote working relies heavily on digital communication tools. With loadshedding as a constant, it can be challenging to work productively from home. This is where being in an office is a huge help as most companies have generators and back-up power.
You need to also consider your career trajectory. Unfortunately, some managers and companies may have less regard for remote workers when it comes to potential career growth opportunities. Some professions do require in-person interactions and physical presence, which may limit career advancement for those of us in remote work settings.
Good to know
Working remotely calls for strong self-discipline and motivation to stay focused. Without the structure and accountability that’s specific to a physical workplace, some of us may struggle to be productive and remain motivated. Establishing a routine, setting goals and creating a conducive work environment can help keep these challenges in check. Also, if you are struggling with the isolation, make it a priority to find ways to manage the loneliness before it impacts your mental health.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.