Remote work, once considered a perk or a niche arrangement, has become a reality for millions of workers worldwide. The global COVID-19 pandemic has forced companies around the world to adapt rapidly to remote settings. The newly gained flexibility, autonomy, and opportunities for innovation for many individuals and companies have been the reasons for the adoption of remote work, that continues and will continue long after the pandemic era.
In this article, we will explore the benefits and challenges of remote work and provide you with best practices for success. Remote work can include different types of mobile working, including working from your home office or working remotely, without a fixed location. It can mean working while on vacation, in co-working spaces, or even in cafés. In this article, we are focusing on the more traditional work from home setting. Let’s dive in!
Benefits
Benefits of working from home include cost and time savings, as eliminating the need for commuting not only saves money on transportation and possible parking fees, but also reduces the time needed to get to the work space to zero, adding to the individual's free time. An often underestimated benefit is increased productivity: Apart from fewer interruptions and distractions compared to more traditional office environments, the individual also has more time for leisure and sports activities, all of which are proven important for concentration. Another benefit is the flexibility that comes with remote working. It allows employees to set their working schedule according to their personal obligations, preferences, and needs, making it more family friendly. By not being limited to a certain location, remote work is also a great option for a person who is traveling or changing locations frequently.
Challenges
Overall, we can say that working from home comes with a number of advantages that can lead to efficiency and satisfaction for the employer, and therefore for the employer too. So why haven’t all the companies implemented remote work for all their employees yet? Well, probably because it also comes with some downsides.
Loneliness and isolation are probably the most obvious disadvantages, as, especially for those who thrive on social interaction, not having an on-site office with colleagues, can often lead to feelings of social isolation. Another important problem with a home office is the lack of physical separation between private and work life. With often blurred boundaries, remote workers are more likely to struggle to disconnect from work, which can lead to burnout, sleep deprivation, concentration problems, and reduced overall well-being. Companies may, in addition, be concerned that remote work could cause communication challenges in the team, technology issues, and, for some employees, disruption of workflow and productivity through distractions.
Despite these downsides, many individuals and companies have found ways to overcome these challenges and reap the benefits of remote work.
Best practices
To have the best possible work from home experience, we will provide some tips on how to improve your productivity and well-being:
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Workspace: The most important thing is probably creating an ergonomic environment where you can focus and minimize distractions. This should include a dedicated workspace that is kept clean and structured, in a room with a temperature of approximately . 19-22ºC and the possibility to regularly ventilate during the day. The space should ideally have as much natural daylight as possible. Investing in an ergonomic setup can have a great impact on your health and prevent back pain, headaches, and neck- and eye strain. Ergonomic furniture and equipment encourage proper posture and include an ergonomic and comfortable chair and desk, separate keypad and mouse, and a monitor positioned at eye level.
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Boundaries: When working from home, it is important to set clear boundaries between private and work life to prevent burnout. Set a work schedule and stick to it as much as possible! It can help create a routine. Starting and ending your workday with rituals that signal the transition between work and personal time could also be an effective way to establish work-life boundaries. Clearly communicate your availability and boundaries to your employer, colleagues, and household members, and put your work apps on silent after finishing work.
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Productivity: Try to minimize distractions and plan your day ahead. Use tools like to-do lists, calendars, and your company’s project management software to stay on top of tasks. To improve efficiency and productivity, you can consider different productivity techniques, like time-blocking. And don’t forget to incorporate regular breaks to get up, stretch, and clear your head. Make sure that outside of work you prioritize self-care and relaxation, and if possible, do leisure activities outside of the home-setting. Fresh air will help you recharge and relieve stress, improving your concentration during the working hours.
By implementing these strategies, you can establish a remote work environment that promotes productivity, focus, and overall well-being. If you are struggling with your remote working situation, don't hesitate to reach out to your manager or colleagues for guidance and support.
You want to study and work remotely?
Home office and remote working are the future, and especially in the tech field, there are plenty of job opportunities for people who want to work remotely. The technology allows for seamless communication and collaboration regardless of physical location.
At Code Labs Academy, we are proud remote workers. Actually, our whole team works online from different locations around the world. We also believe that, regarding education, online courses and location independence are key components of the success of our bootcamps. If you are looking for tech courses you can do from the comfort of your home or from anywhere you want, check out our bootcamps here.
From Code Labs Academy – Your Trusted Online Coding Bootcamp for Tomorrow’s Tech Pioneers.
