Several benefits must be considered if you’re thinking to start working from home. You’ll eliminate office distractions, improve productivity, and even spend more time on household chores.
Elimination of Office Distractions
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is reducing distractions. Whether it’s family members interrupting you or coworkers calling you on your break, there are several ways to deal with these annoyances.
One of the most common methods is to create a work schedule that outlines what you will do each day. This may include a set start and end time or a lunch break. Also, you can designate a room for working.
Preparing plan out the week can help reduce distractions. If you cannot leave the house, consider muting your phone during the morning. You can also take short daily breaks to boost your energy levels.
It can be a good idea to get an oil diffuser. Not only will this help you to stay calm, but it will also help you to concentrate on work.
Similarly, it’s a good idea to use noise-canceling headphones. Even if you can minimize distractions by working at a coffee shop or other quiet location, you may still be tempted to check your cell phone or email.
Improved Retention
Retaining employees is more critical than ever in the remote work era. Research has found that companies that lead in employee engagement have higher retention rates than their industry average.
Employees who feel valued and empowered are likelier to stay with the company. Companies need to develop an effective employer branding strategy, which can reduce the cost of hiring by as much as 50%.
In addition to attractive benefits packages, employers need to establish a flexible work environment. This includes various options, such as a compressed workweek and remote working. Providing a relaxed work environment for critical-thinking or creative workers is essential.
Working from home can be an attractive option for many employees. However, it can also cause conflict. Remote workers may need help understanding how their managers operate. They may be concerned that they are being treated differently than those who work in an office.
Loneliness and Collaboration Challenges
The challenges of working from home are ever-growing. But the most common struggle among remote workers is loneliness. And there is new research to prove it.
Loneliness affects performance, and employees may suffer from depression and substance abuse. A lack of social interaction can also lead to employee burnout. Research has also shown that loneliness can drive employee turnover.
One solution to help combat loneliness is to build a culture of openness. This increases psychological safety and encourages open communication. It can also encourage associates to bond.
Another approach is to provide little-stake opportunities for collaboration. For example, a company-wide recognition system could bring hidden efforts into the digital workspace. Similarly, frequent casual conversations can reveal important news about the company.
Researchers found that workers in teams reported lower levels of loneliness. This finding was especially significant when workers were employed in team environments.
In contrast, workers in non-teamwork occupations reported higher levels of loneliness. These results suggest that SPOs disproportionately affect non-teamwork professions.
