Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Year : 2, Issue: 35
by SADIA J. CHOUDHURY
During the pandemic, the way society looks at the work culture in the States shifted in a different direction. The companies found new ways to accommodate the needs during COVID-19. More and more people seek a better work-life balance in today’s hybrid or remote model at the workplace. As a result, employees are interested in firms that can implement flexible policies and understand that this benefit is now becoming a necessity for employees’ work-life balance. Working from home culture has benefited both employers and employees.
It has also significantly improved their quality of life and mental health. 97% of people feel that having a more flexible job would have a “big” or “good” impact on their quality of life. It is because of how much of an impact work flexibility (such as remote work, flexible hours, and decreased scheduling) can have (The Mental Health Benefits of Remote and Flexible Work, n.d.). I have gotten some extra sleep in the morning because I do not have to commute to work. Often I would use my lunch break to get some work out in. Small things throughout the day have significantly affected my quality of life.
Working from home has become the new normal in society because of its many benefits. However, many organizations also believe that there are many cons related to working from home. Though some employers contend that people who work remotely are “really not working,” the critics of this regulation also have some arguments opposing the pros of working from home (Bloom, 2014). This argument is primarily based on the old managerial mindset that fears “the loss of control” or that it is impossible to monitor an employee’s productivity if they are not in plain sight (Timsal, A., & Awais, M.,2016). The idea of losing control comes from a need for more trust between employees and employers. Building relationships with coworkers is a challenge for many remote employees. It can be challenging for remote employees to connect with little in-person interaction, just like manager-employee relationships (LawDepot, 2020). Nevertheless, many online tools such as Teams, slack, and other useful interactive platforms could develop the relationship. Building relationships at the workplace has affected employees’ mental health. It has caused them to unplug from work, ultimately affecting their mental well-being. Additionally, many employees have gone above and beyond to prove their capacity to work from home to their managers. According to a FlexJobs poll, respondents identified overworking or a refusal to disconnect as the main drawbacks of remote employment (Disadvantages of Working From Home, 2022). Hence, the pros of working from home impact the health and wellness of employees.
Author: Editor, The Generation
