The recent shift to remote work has sparked an endless debate: is working from home (WFH) a productivity booster or a recipe for burnout? Here at WellFit Consultancy, we believe the answer isn’t so simple. A recent study by Hall et al. (2024), found that the impact of WFH on employees’ wellbeing, productivity, and working relationships depends heavily on individual circumstances.
There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer
There are advantages and disadvantages of working from home. Some employees enjoy the flexibility and time saved on commutes, potentially leading to increased productivity. However, others struggle with ergonomic issues from inadequate home offices, feelings of isolation, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, the nature of work, such as the need for collaboration, significantly influenced employee performance and productivity in remote work settings. (Anakpo et al., 2023)
It was also found that there is a complex relationship between WFH and mental health (Hall et al., 2024). While some find remote work isolating, others thrive in a distraction-free environment (or a pet-friendly environment).
The Key: Supporting Individual Needs
Simply put, a one-size-fits-all approach to WFH does not work. So, how can you create a WFH strategy that caters to these diverse experiences and needs? Here are some ideas:
- Individualized Support: Regularly check in with employees to understand their WFH experiences and provide tailored support, from ergonomic assessments to mental health resources.
- Training and Resources: Equip your team with the tools they need to thrive while working remotely. This could include training on maintaining healthy habits at home and establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life.
- Communication and Connection: Foster a sense of community through virtual team meetings, online social events, and encouraging breaks for informal chats.
- Respecting Preferences: Not everyone thrives in a remote environment. Talk to your employees about their long-term WFH preferences and explore flexible working arrangements.
The Future of Work: A Supportive Hybrid Model
The future of work is likely to be a hybrid model, with employees splitting their time between the office and home. By prioritizing individual needs and creating a supportive WFH environment, you can empower your team to be productive, healthy, and engaged – no matter where they choose to work.
References:
Anakpo, G., Nqwayibana, Z., & Mishi, S. (2023). The Impact of Work-from-Home on Employee Performance and Productivity: A Systematic Review. Sustainability, 15(5), Article 5. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054529
Hall, C. E., Brooks, S. K., Mills, F., Greenberg, N., & Weston, D. (2024). Experiences of working from home: Umbrella review. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, 66(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/joccuh/uiad013
