The amount of people working from home is expected to rise by 22% by the year 2025. This is because the benefits of remote working are clear to see. Employees are happier, more productive, and it allows businesses to employ people internationally. While it seems that the future is ready to embrace this method of working, that does not mean that working from home is perfect.
Most remote workers face the same issues day to day. Let’s take a look at some of these key issues and explain how you can resolve them so that remote working can remain the best way to perform your job.
Distractions
When you work from home, you work in the environment that is most comfortable for you. Unfortunately, this means that there are plenty of simple pleasures around the house to distract you from your current tasks. You have access to all your favorite media, housework to do, visitors knocking, and family members that can interrupt you. While it is OK to let yourself get side-tracked occasionally, continually avoiding your work can put you in hot water.
The best solution to this problem is to dedicate a set space in the house in which to work. Keep yourself centralized to one location, almost as if it is your normal office, and you should find it easier to ignore those petty distractions. Also, taking plenty of breaks can prevent your mind from overworking, which will prevent you from seeking a distraction when things get tough.
Collaborating
Teamwork is crucial to performing well in your job. However, you are isolated from your colleagues when you are working remotely. How can you ensure that you stay in contact to collaborate on your ideas?
The solution to this issue is simple. All you need is the right workspace platform to communicate with your colleagues. There are plenty of options available out there, and each one is equipped to serve remote workplaces.
Health
Another key issue that you may face when working from home is that your health begins to deteriorate. Sitting for long periods at a desk can cause you to hunch and develop a serious back problem. What’s more, this lack of movement is harmful to your circulation.
You can avoid these issues by investing in the correct office furniture. Ergonomic desk height refers to the appropriate height for a work desk. By raising your work platform, you can reduce your need to slouch, ensuring that your back muscles are not damaged. There are other ergonomic furniture designs out there that can assist you with your health, and you can learn more by reading Branch’s guide to ergonomic desk height. Also, try and get out and exercise when possible.
Time Zones
One of the biggest benefits of remote working is that it allows business leaders to hire the best candidate for the job, regardless of what country they live in. While this approach ensures that the business is as productive as it can be, many colleagues have to work with people in different time zones. As a result, one member of your team may miss out on key parts of the project because they are in bed.
Fortunately, it is not your responsibility to manage work hours around overseas colleagues. Your management team should implement file-sharing software and communication platforms to allow your teammates to carry on with their work regardless of time zones. Working across different time zones is difficult, but at least you can rest in the knowledge that you are doing everything you can to accommodate this hurdle.
Poor Hygiene
It may sound strange, but many individuals that work from home have professed to letting their hygiene standards slip. There is no one else around, and neglecting a shower in the morning can give you an extra ten minutes of bed in the morning. In fact, there is no need to get out of your pajamas at all if you do not feel like it.
Unfortunately, this lack of hygiene can quickly become a bad habit. Also, hygiene is important to your overall health, so you don’t want to start missing days at work because of these tendencies. You can avoid falling into this pattern by treating your remote job as a regular office role. Always get up and get dressed regardless of whether you are seeing anyone that day. This practice helps you maintain a professional attitude while also helping to improve your self-esteem.
Conclusion
Working from home can provide its own challenges, just like a normal job role. This does not mean that you can’t take advantage of all the benefits that come from remote working. Try and get yourself into some good habits, and you should find that you adjust to working from home with ease.