5 ‘WFH’ relatable challenges
The coronavirus has been and still is a threat to the health and safety of people, most especially for our senior citizens. After a vaccine is approved and distributed, it will take months before the majority can form a modest opinion of its efficacy. That said, the pandemic is forcing establishments, companies and organizations to look into alternative ways to keep operations despite their closing office doors: Enter telecommuting.
It’s been almost a year now since “Work from Home”(WFH) arrangements became the norm for most companies. Call it what you will: Remote working, working from home, mobile work, work from anywhere, flexible workplace etc., the idea of staying home for work sounds like a good idea.
Until, some of these things happen: Five things some WFH individuals see as a challenge.
9 to 5
Sure, productivity may take a hit when employees chill a bit or talk with colleagues in the office before getting a task done. But somehow, some people are realizing that the trade-off could also be toxic: Companies expecting their WFH staff to do exactly—to the millisecond—eight hours worth of work. Some companies run audits that would make Kim Jong-un blush.
Less Walking
There’s something about WFH that’s connected to gaining weight. Besides unrestricted access to unlimited goodies in the fridge, working a “desk job” for the entire day while seated in your chair is a sure-fire way to get yourself trapped into living a sedentary lifestyle. Pro tip: Get a little workout done before and after work. And eat healthier! Your body will thank you for it.
Animal Farm
Lucky are those who wake up to a view of a majestic sunrise from their studio units. However, for those who have to wrestle with the sounds of roosters and dogs in the morning (or just about anytime, really), clucking and barking could really ruin those online meetings.
Meetings Galore
Just because it’s easier to hold an online meeting these days doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all for each and everyone’s calendars! Some people have more meetings online from home than they would probably have while working from an actual office.
Time Zones
Most WFH opportunities deal with international companies. If you’re lucky, you’re working for a company with hours that still allow you to see the light of day. For some, they’ll have to work the graveyard shift. Yes, working from home is a blessing. But doing the graveyard shift with the bed right beside you? That might be a challenge in staying up.
There are sure plenty more to add to these five. But it’s not all for naught. As with every challenge, comes the opportunity to overcome it. For all the working-class citizens, hard work is rewarded, one way or another.