RECENT RESEARCH FOUND THAT FULLY REMOTE WORKERS WERE LESS PRODUCTIVE THAN OFFICE WORKERS. (CREDIT: ADOBE STOCK IMAGES)
by Laura Onyeneho
Houston Defender
For many, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed the traditional office environment into a thing of the past. Millions of Americans worked remotely, from suits to pajamas, conquering traffic during long commutes and working digitally at coffee shops.
While some may miss the social aspects of an office setting, a significant portion of the workforce has discovered efficiencies in working from home. A recent Pew Research Center survey states that 35 percent of workers with remote-capable jobs now work from home full-time, and many hybrid workers prefer to be fully remote.
But working from home effectively requires intentionality. Creating a dedicated workspace, establishing routines, and embracing this arrangement’s flexibility are key to maximizing productivity and well-being.
LAURA ONYENEHO
Why Work From Home?
Eliminating the commute, a notorious time and stress-inducer, is a major perk. A 2020 FlexJobs survey revealed that 79 percent of respondents considered the absence of a commute a major benefit.
The average American spends over $4,500 annually on commuting costs, a significant sum that remote work eliminates. Furthermore, remote work benefits the environment by reducing traffic congestion and emissions.
The freedom of a home office also fosters healthier habits. Many remote workers find they have more time to exercise and prioritize wellness. Additionally, ditching the office environment means ditching the office germs. Sickness often spreads readily in close-quartered workspaces, and remote work helps prevent the spread of illness among employees and their families.
Maximizing Your Work-From-Home Experience
So, how can you make the most of your work-from-home experience? Here are some key strategies:
Structure Your Day: While the flexibility of remote work is a perk, establishing a work schedule is crucial for productivity. Mimic your pre-pandemic office routine as much as possible. This consistency creates a sense of structure and keeps you focused throughout the workday.
Repurpose Your Commute Time: Remember that pre-pandemic commute? That reclaimed time is a golden opportunity. Block out this time in your calendar for specific tasks or simply for unstructured personal time. Use it for exercise, hobbies, or simply unwinding – but stick to the designated timeframe.
Design a Comforting Oasis: Many traditional offices boast the aesthetic appeal of a beige shoebox. With uninspiring color palettes, synthetic carpets, and annoying background noise, these environments are hardly conducive to focused work. Transform your workspace. Incorporate natural light whenever possible. Studies show it improves sleep, reduces stress, and boosts energy levels. Add plants for a touch of life, and consider calming music or white noise to mask distracting sounds.
Embrace the Sunshine: Speaking of natural light, prioritize soaking it up throughout the workday. Open windows and position your workspace near a window. Exposure to sunlight regulates hormones and impacts everything from mood to alertness.
Establish Boundaries: Perhaps the biggest challenge of working from home is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The laptop is constantly on, blurring the lines between work hours and personal time. Remote workers often take shorter breaks and fewer sick days. Develop a shutdown ritual—pack up your work supplies, close your laptop, and designate a specific time to “clock out” for the day.
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