In your mind’s eye, think about how easy and relaxing it is to work in the comfort of your home. No dressing up, no long trips to work, and no styling up your hair, just waking up and being you as you get work done. Working remotely became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic when some of the preventive measures put in place encouraged people to work from home.
A few years later, it seems that remote work wasn’t a temporary trend and is here to stay. The number of remote workers doubled in 2022 from 13% in the previous years, with more people expected to adopt this work structure.
Having more personal time, less commuting, and greater flexibility are some of the perks of online jobs. However, could there be more to remote work than the easy and hassle-free lifestyle it portrays?
- Effective Time Planning
Remote work gives you the luxury of working from your desired location. Thus, you may encounter distractions working from home, whether taking care of your children, pet, dishes, or laundry.
Such interruptions might make it hard for you to plan your time and may get you into trouble with your boss. Understanding the best time management skills will help you utilize your hours efficiently, even when it looks like you have all the time in the world at home.
- Loneliness and Isolation
Lack of in-person socialization and friendships in the office environment brings a sense of detachment among online workers. This can affect your morale and job satisfaction, reducing job output. An exciting technique among Swedes to beat workplace boredom is “fika,” where the workers take “fika breaks” to drink coffee, have snacks, and socialize. That’s because over 60% of Swedes have some form of remote working structure.
When you feel isolated as a remote worker, there are various hobbies you can do to relax. You can enjoy a Netflix show, listen to your favorite music, read books, or play online games. Speaking of the latter, some gaming ventures might even be profitable and potentially win you some cash.
By playing at any top Casino in Sweden, you can relax your mind with simple games like slots and be part of a gaming community to reduce isolation. You can play games with other players and have an entertaining work break.
However, be careful as such exciting hobbies can be addictive and eat up your work time. So, even as you take breaks, don’t have too much fun.
- Work-Life Balance
Work without play makes Jack a dull boy, and working from home might rob you of your personal time. You might think overworking will make your supervisor recognize your efforts since they aren’t close to you. But, working for long hours leads to burnout and reduced performance.
Since your home is your office, you need a clear boundary on work time and stop answering work emails and calls when your time is up. Some managers might take you as a slacker, but separating your personal and professional life is crucial.
- Communication Gaps
Relaying information is a pillar of any workplace, and working virtually can make you miss important updates from your employer. Depending on digital platforms can result in misinterpretation, misunderstanding, and denying you the opportunity to express yourself face-to-face.
But, online tools like Slack, Skype, or Teams, help you connect with other members and discuss work in real time. You can make video calls with your managers and team to bond with them, which improves your work relationships.
- Technical Problems
Assuming you have ever worked from home, you might be familiar with technical hitches like loading errors or audio issues. Some issues can be easily fixed by searching for a solution online, while others might require an expert.
In the office setup, where different professionals work, a colleague can come to your aid. However, working from home means you’ll need to call in help which might not be readily available. In case you have a technical issue that’s beyond your understanding, it might derail your work.
Should I Move Back to The Office?
Regardless of the barriers, most people prefer a work-from-home arrangement. Remote workers might be more productive and happier than their office counterparts. Working from home has been said to lower stress levels and many people feel comfortable.
Besides that, you’ll save on various costs like commuting and getting your wardrobe right. You can also have extra time on your hands to learn a new skill, pursue your hobby, or meet friends.
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