A home office is a very different environment from its traditional counterpart. The soul-draining commute is a thing of the past; you'll be able to reduce stress levels and save valuable time. That said, working remotely is something the vast majority have to get used to – and it's not for everyone. Although wearing your pyjamas during work hours might be a high point for some, the reality of working from home comes with a unique set of challenges. In this article, we take a look at some of the most common hurdles we're facing in our new-found working routines as we head towards the end of 2022:
Mental health
One of the biggest problems faced by remote workers is mental health. With the rising number of people struggling in silence, companies need to promote positive mental health amongst employees working remotely and offer support to those in need. Take a look at our Mental Health First Aid Awareness course, which can be incorporated into your organisation's health and wellbeing strategy.
Managing team members
Managing staff remotely is an entirely different skill to managing in person. Having the tools and resources to communicate and track work logs and projects is integral to creating an environment conducive to productivity and not falling into the downward spiral of micro-management. These don't have to be complex, but they should allow and promote three key points: transparency, regular communication and team engagement.
Staying safe online
There's a reason why millions are invested in IT infrastructure every year, and a big part of that is security. When working remotely or from home, remaining aware of your IT security is essential. Changing the default WiFi password on your home network is one simple step that you can do to mitigate any security threats.
Loneliness
Going from a busy office to a home office is a significant change and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. Whether it's water cooler chats or going for lunch with a friend or colleague, causal interactions can be sorely missed. Being resilient to change and difficult circumstances is a welcomed trait of employees. Training your employees to understand and practise resilience can reap benefits.
Work-life balance
When no security guard is locking up behind you or people around you are leaving to go home, you can become disillusioned with time and engrossed in a piece of work, causing time to fly by. At home, it's easy to slip into this pattern, so it's crucial to maintain a routine. Try to stick to your working day and take short breaks to stay productive.
Lack of a designated workspace
Today, everyone needs office space in their home, right? It's simply not possible for everyone. Whether you live in a small apartment, a busy family home or share a flat with friends, you may not be able to find a quiet space away from people and distractions, meaning working from home can cause more distractions and disruption rather than maximising productivity.
Ergonomics
There can also be issues with comfort and ergonomics. Without steady schedules, the lines between work and personal time can blur, and you may spend too long sitting in chairs not designed for long work hours, potentially suffering negative health consequences.
Frequent family interruptions
For many employees, the most challenging part of working from home is dealing with the assumption from family members that you'll finish at 5.30pm on the dot and be available throughout the day. You must be kind to yourself if you're working from home full time and juggling family life. Acknowledge that you might not be as productive as you usually would be, and don't be afraid to voice your concerns to your manager.
Rising energy costs
According to Uswitch, a person working from home will use 75 per cent more gas and 25 per cent more electricity than someone who works in an office setting. That also doesn't factor in the costs associated with setting up your workspace or paying higher phone bills. It's clear that using everyday electricals and appliances five days a week can push bills hundreds of pounds higher.
The struggle to switch off
The simplest way to unplug and enjoy downtime is to set boundaries. You refresh your mindset and detach from your workload. Some people find it difficult to switch off from work, but it is important that you do. It's crucial to have 'you' time and pay attention to mental health.
Many employers recognise that whilst some people thrive in a home working environment, others find it more challenging. It all depends on the individual, their motivations and their circumstances. Here at GBS Corporate Training, we work with businesses to provide solutions that enhance employee experience and help them overcome challenges. With that in mind, our digitally delivered courses are perfect for remote or hybrid organisations, as delegates can join online from their own home. From Managing Remote Workers, Conflict Resolution, and Mental Health Awareness these courses are delivered by webinar and can help your employees during this difficult time. We also provide a Hybrid Team Working solution specifically designed for hybrid team workers so that they can adapt their skills to collaborate across long distances and maximise their productivity.
To discover the complete list of topics we deliver digitally, please click here.
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