WFH began on a small scale in the 1970s but rapidly increased during the Covid 19 pandemic of 2020. In order for businesses to continue working many employees were asked to work from the safety of their own homes which has persisted even after restrictions were lifted. Whilst there are advantages WFH the downsides are something employers should consider carefully;
Separation between work and non-work – Employees have reported that they are more easily distracted working from home and are less productive. Being distracted can affect your concentration and decrease your productivity. Boundary management between work and home life can be challenging. There may be a temptation to overwork if employees are not disciplined in setting out work schedules properly with distinctions between work and personal life becoming blurred.
Reduced workplace connection and isolation – Remote working reduces the amount of direct interaction employees have with their coworkers which can lead to feelings of isolation with increased reports of physical and mental health issues. Whilst remote telecommunication systems such as Zoom can arguably support communication, they do not replicate face to face interaction with miscommunication being a very real issue. Face to face interaction reduces ambiguity, allowing immediate clarification and feedback. Managers report difficulties in monitoring the performance of remote workers.
Financial implications – The initial set up to WFH may be costly requiring equipment like webcams, software, headsets and other tools to stay connected to others from your workplace and carry out important projects. There may be an increase in utility costs for remote workers.
Information security – Compliance with data Protection laws can be more challenging for employees WFH. This needs to be addressed and systems put in place to ensure data remains safe.
The trend for coworking post pandemic has seen a major shift in workplace culture with coworking facilities rapidly on the increase. By the end of this year Coworking spaces are set to double to more than 40,000 worldwide. This new and innovative way of working allows multiple businesses to share the same space encouraging networking, collaboration and innovation.
The Hub @ Darlington Business Centre provides a flexible, quiet space with all the benefits the centre has to offer.
Contact us know to find out how we can help you maintain a healthy work / life balance.
