Covid-19 has changed the way the world operates. From the working environment to the way people interact socially, every aspect of people’s lives has gone under a drastic transformation. “Work from Home” is the new norm. All the professionals like software engineers, professors, lawyers and even consultation services are operating on the internet. Although the internet has served as a useful tool for businesses and individuals to continue functioning, the comfort of working from home has also introduced new challenges.
On the surface Work from Home may seem a great idea. it saves infrastructure costs, travel and a lot of time. There are numerous problems with working from home for individuals. Below are some of the most challenges that everyone should be prepared to handle.
- Staying fit: Being locked up at home isn’t the ideal setting to stay active. People tend to trivialise the importance of mental and physical well-being while working from home. However, it is essential to pay special attention to one’s well-being. You need to take out at least 30 minutes for working out. It can either be a jog, a home workout or simply a walk. Similarly, it is necessary to take care of one’s mental health as well, by taking up meditation, yoga or any other relaxing activity. The key is to take short refreshing breaks from work and ensure you stay healthy.
- Low Productivity: Offices help us focus on important tasks and provide a productive environment around us. Most people are accustomed to working in a cubicle or office where no one disturbs or interrupts them. On the other hand, working from home is full of distractions and unwanted stimulus that make it impossible to concentrate on work. To boost productivity, it is essential to eliminate distractions and create a system for staying productive. Instead of a cubicle, you can try setting up 45 minutes work windows to train your mind to focus on just 1 task. Also, having a dedicated desk can help to focus on work.
- Working in Silos: When working in a team it is important to collaborate and come up with better solutions together. However, work from home puts employees in silos which is not good for the flow of ideas. Even with the use of video conference and online meetings, the level of involvement is significantly lower than an in-person conversation. Since there is no easy way to overcome this challenge until the pandemic is over, it is advisable to be proactive and pay attention in the digital meetings.
- Technical challenges: Working with technology isn’t easy for most of the population in the world. Many users find themselves in embarrassing situations due to the same. Even computer engineers who are well versed with technology can face issues due to technical glitches and the unavailability of resources. But remember being a technical novice is only temporary and using the tools daily will help simplify the problems. Also, it is advisable to invest in decent internet service and laptops to ensure smooth working.
- Work-life balance: It is challenging to have a work-life balance when your work comes home. Most individuals find it hard to draw the line between their work and their personal lives when working from home. This can cause burnout and frustration. A good approach is to define your working hours and stick to a schedule. Maintaining the right balance is essential to have a fulfilling time both at work and in personal life.
In conclusion, by following all the above tips you can make the most out of your work. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity so enjoy it till it lasts. Keep all these things in mind and avoid falling into the downward spiral that Work from Home can trigger. The Covid-19 pandemic is here to stay for a while and everyone should get used to the new normal.
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