It’s safe to say that the nation is divided on its feelings towards working remotely. As working from home has become the new normal for many office workers since the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK, some workers have relished the newfound flexibility. Others, however, have struggled with the distractions of home working.
Not reserved for virtual water cooler chat alone, the debate has also been playing out in parliament, too. As the Guardian reports “Boris Johnson has sparked new controversy over when employees should return to their workplaces by suggesting people have had enough “days off” at home during the pandemic, and should try to go back to their offices.” Hmmm.
The Independent agrees, “Workers set to return to offices when stay-home restrictions ease have said they find the prospect “stressful” and “pointless,” with one comparing the possible threat of Covid in shared work spaces to a “grenade waiting to go off”.”
But that verdict isn’t actually unanimous. Some, on the other hand, have declared their enthusiasm for returning to the office, with 7% wanting a return to the way it used to be. We suspect the majority of that percentage are owners of urban office spaces keen to rake in their rent, but anyway…
What’s clear is that the pandemic has changed the way we work forever and going forward, flexibility is key. If you’re unsure which side of debate you fall on concerning whether you should continue working from home or return to the office, then here are 5 considerations.
PRODUCTIVITY WHEN WORKING FROM HOME
Banner specialist Instantprint surveyed 2000 workers in the UK who worked from home during lockdown and found that a third of them enjoy remote working. Moreover, they do not want to return to their usual working environment when restrictions lift. These workers have found that they are more productive at home because they can control their environment and minimise the number of distractions. For example, they aren’t distracted by colleagues, inane small talk, endless impromptu meetings or by making coffees for the office.
On the other hand, many have found the home working environment much more encouraging of distractions. For workers deciding whether or not the home or central office is more conducive to productivity, this is one which should be considered on a case by case basis.
REMOTE WORKING IMPACTS
Let’s consider other impediments to remote working. Indeed, for all its positives, working from home does bring a whole new set of challenges.
Many home workers have previously reported that they find it difficult to stay professional and productive when their family life is playing out in the background of a conference call or virtual meetings. Wi-Fi issues at home can also cause problems with virtual conferences and productivity levels, and elements of the home office set up which were previously funded by the employer – such as equipment, lunches, hot drinks, childcare and more – are now having to be covered by the employee.
WORK/LIFE BALANCE
Remote working can save staff a lot of time and money which would usually have been spent on commuting and expensive meal deals from the closest supermarket. Without a stressful commute on either side of the working day, employees can spend more time with their families, friends and on their hobbies.
Remote work allows employees to achieve a better work-life balance and therefore take better care of their mental health. In August 2020, it was reported that half of UK workers favoured a hybrid model, ‘’being in favour of working from home for an average of three days a week and commuting into the office for just two days a week.’’
It seems that the ideal compromise here is a return to the office part-time to experience the best of both worlds. Should you be an employer keen to respond positively to these changes, then check out our 5 ways to encourage a productive flexible working environment for more.
FIND A DEDICATED WORKSPACE
Back to that study commissioned by Instant Print; Only 16% of UK workers have a home office, with most people working from their living rooms, spare bedrooms or bed.
This can be problematic, both for posture and productivity. It’s essential, then, even in the most compact of spaces, that you create a dedicated home office space, separating your professional and personal lives from each other, even though they are both under one roof. Responsible employers should help fund elements of this, should the company’s move to remote working be happening more comprehensively.
THE SOCIABILITY FACTOR
If you find remote working antisocial and isolating, there are several ways you can stay connected to your colleagues when working from home. Encourage your team to take part in virtual hangouts. Organise a Friday night drinks event to celebrate your team’s accomplishments and remind them of the challenges you have all overcome. Or, arrange a virtual coffee break with your co-worker to check in on how they are handling lockdown and remote work.
Again, a flexible ‘hybrid model’ could be ideal here, as workers can enjoy the social aspects of the physical workplace whilst still maintaining a modicum of control over their work/life balance.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The debate continues about what the working world’s ‘new normal’ will look like. Increasingly, flexibility is going to be essential for companies looking to move forward in a nimble, dexterous way. For those who are looking to enjoy the best of both worlds, expect to see the ‘hybrid model’ gain traction, with workers dividing their time roughly equally between the home and central office.
More than anything, it’s important to know your rights around working from home. All employees now have the legal right to request remote working from their employer; head over to the Government’s website to learn more about that here.