Is Work from Home Ineffective?
Since WHO has announced COVID-19 outbreak as a global pandemic, the term of work from home is becoming more popular than ever. These rapid changes in how workers work somehow have not given us any chance to digest it in prior. It happens so fast that most people see this as a tragedy. Sometimes, they daydream on how their offline daily routine is the best way possible to achieve productivity. But the question is, is it really like that? Well, Let’s unravel the bright side of work from home.
The number one reason to work from home is avoiding the commute. By doing so, not only that we save time waiting on the road, but we also save money on fuel or train tickets. Realistically, these two precious things in life — time and money — are one of the factors of focus increasement. In other words, it eliminates things to worry about in mind. In result, people are hoped to have more spare time doing other things when they usually use it for struggling in a traffic jam. Furthermore, this action also gives us the chance to decrease carbon footprint. As people use fewer automotive transportation, there will be less energy consumed and ultimately, the environment will have the chance to rest for a while.
The other main reason is a customizable environment. Ergonomic workspace — from bed to desk, noise level — from as quiet as a lamb to Metallica concert, and cozy clothes — from pajamas to professional attire, you name it. These numbers of choices give you a sense of freedom. Simply saying, you are the captain of your own ship. In the meantime, self-discipline is a crucial skill to possess in this process. Although not all people have the same strict work schedule and its obligation to follow it, self-discipline is highly required in one’s work from home process. Without it, the possibility of turning the work from home experience upside down becomes resilient.
Nevertheless, “How can I survive without seeing another living human being?”I know, boredom attack. No more weekend hangouts, no more movie dates, and even no more NBA match. What could be worse than all magnificent events in a year is canceled? Well, philosophically, the meaning of life starts with individuals, not a governed order. A 2012 study by Sandi Mann, an occupational psychologist at the University of Central Lancashire, suggested that participating in boring activities led to better performance in certain subsequent creative activities. Therefore, one of the embodiments of meaningful life can be initiated by participating in a boring activity to increase creativity.
In my view, the factor of flexibility and minimum energy consumption strengthens the fact that work from home is effective, making it the new normal. Not only that it eliminates workers’ daily routine tasks, but it also gives the world the time to heal from human touch. Above all that, taking care of our soul and healthiness is the main priority in this period of time.
