The Working from Home Phenomenon

As the world has been forced to adjust and to adapt to the times we are in, working from home has become one of the most widely adopted and practiced measures to continue working and conducting business. Most industries that aren’t considered essential have had their employees move to working from the confines of their own homes. With that, there are lots of changes and differences that come from working from home, rather than working in an office setting or from an office environment.

The Switch

Moving from an office dynamic or office environment requires both companies and employees to have the necessary systems and procedures in place. Whether it’s the Wi-Fi, the computer, or printers available, there is a level of supplies and equipment that each business and employee needs in order to continue their operations. It’s also important for companies and businesses to have the types of infrastructure set up so their employees can continue working. That might mean a shared server, an open network, or a protected or safe way to communicate with each other.

There are lots of small nuances or changes that come with this transition, like the absence of colleagues to grab lunch with and talk to, or stopping by colleagues or coworkers desk to ask a small or minor question, or even your boss or superior nearby to ask what they’re looking for, or how to complete the task they need to be completed. Yes, most companies do have communication or messaging systems in place, but there’s an element to the in-person conversation that’s much more comfortable and normal, then it is to type something out. It’s also much easier for people to be able to communicate, whether that means to clear up any confusion or miscommunication, or simply the opportunity to more clearly explain the situation or problems their encountering.

The Differences Between The Two

Working in an office, there’s a community aspect where everyone is working together, people around each other are constantly working on projects or assignments, and there’s usually a common or shared goal amount the group of people. Having that sense of collaboration and coordination between each other is something that is missed when working shifts to the home. Having others around you who are knowledgeable or know certain situations better than you do and having people to support you along the way is much different when it’s through a computer or a device, versus in the desk or office next to you.

The people around you are working, focused on completing their work, or the tasks they have been assigned, and it encourages you to continue working or producing. When your home, in a remote environment, it’s easy to get distracted and sidetracked. There’s more comfortability, more of a leisure aspect, and more of a relaxed state than in an office. It’s more common place to search the internet, watch TV, spend time relaxing, or find ways to lose track of time.

Maximizing Your Time At Home

The time you have in a working from home environment can be very beneficial and productive for the people who take advantage of it. Each person is able to eliminate the time they spend on commuting, the money they spend on their commute, and any additional costs that come with working in an office, like coffee or getting takeout for lunch. Things that you’ve wanted to learn for a while whether it be learning how to complete an excel spreadsheet without mouse or learning how to develop your skills in formatting and alignment can be learned during this time. The ability to capitalize and take advantage of the increased time you have and the increased freedom you have from working at home can be used to learn new skills, explore new topics or areas you’re interested in, or looking to learn more about.

Increased Freedom and Flexibility

Not having someone to look over your shoulder or monitor what you’re doing all day can be freeing for people and give them the necessary space or opportunity they need to perform and operate the way they feel comfortable to. For employees who are constantly be watched or analyzed, it can be a great thing to have your own space, and the objective to be just to complete the tasks or projects assigned with you, without having someone to watch your every move.

The Change in Routine

Working from home comes with a completely different lifestyle and routine than one from working in an office. The routines people have, whether it be to wake up, workout, and go to work, is incredibly different when you have to work from home. You aren’t moving from one place to another, going from one location to another, you’re simply moving within one place. It’s a much different lifestyle and way of life from working in an office, commuting, and going back and forth from your house to the office, then from going from your bed to the desk or the room where you work. It takes a bit of time to get used to, but once you’re able to adjust and get comfortable in a flow of what you’re doing, the times you’re doing it, it begins to become normal and feel commonplace.

Conclusion

Working from home is a much different lifestyle and environment than from working in a office. There are many things that come from being in an office environment, like the interactions you have with your co-workers, the way you communicate with your team members or your bosses, and the life you live. Moving around and going from one place to another is a common aspect of working in an office, that isn’t available when you’re in a working from home environment. 

Finding ways to maximize your time at home, whether that be learning new skills, educating yourself on new topics or areas of interest, or spending more time with family are options that are available to you when you work from home. The levels of productivity are a bit different and take some time to get used to, but once you’re able to find a space or a routine that you’re comfortable in, you’re able to adjust and adapt to the working from home lifestyle. It’ll be interesting to see the financial effects and implications from a productivity and work level standpoint in a working from home environment compared to an office environment.

All in all, the working from home dynamic and phenomenon is much different from the working in an office one. Whether you’re learning how to become a financial analyst, how to become a media buyer, or how to become a real estate agent, the working from home phenomenon is affecting all industries and businesses around the globe.