Will working from home be the new normal?

During the Covid-19 pandemic, home working has sharply increased.

In a study by Eurofound, nearly 40% of Europeans have been working from home for the last few months. And, similar figures can be seen elsewhere around the world.

Although this was initially a precautionary measure to slow the spread of the virus, many companies have suggested that this could be a long-term change.

This working arrangement is becoming increasingly popular.

But, everyone suited to remote work? And will it become the new norm?

The benefits of working from home

Remote working has many benefits for employees and employers.

Some of the benefits for employees include:

• It allows for better work-life balance
• No time spent commuting
• Increased flexibility
• No longer restricted by location

Some of the benefits for employers are:

• It can increase productivity
• Reduces costs
• Greater pool of potential employees
• Lower quit rate and more employee loyalty

In an interview with the BBC, career coach Adrian Marsh explains, “For the employee, the number one thing that people love is the flexible schedule. You don’t have to be tied into the 9-5.”

“Some people love the fact that you can work from anywhere, so maybe you take yourself off for a long weekend but you do a bit of work on the Friday in that location. And [some people find] working from home is nicer than working in cramped office environments.”

Is it right for everyone?

There are many benefits from working from home, and lots of people enjoy the lifestyle changes and freedom it can bring.

However, it’s important to note that it can be a challenge for some. For example, some people find it can be lonely. Even though offices can bring their own challenges in terms of mental health, many workers find they enjoy being in the company of others.

You also need to be more self-motivated. It’s easy to get distracted, and it’s also difficult to switch off from work altogether.

The shift from office to home demands employees to be self-motivated and willing to adapt to change. However, in the long-term, this may be essential if workers are going to adapt  and thrive in a fast-changing world.