August 2024
Work from Home: The Freedom and the Finer Details
Opinion
Note: Find the rest of my articles here on Medium
Claiming that the Covid pandemic hit humankind like a meteor would be an understatement. It turned the world upside down and completely changed how we approach work. To limit the spread of the Pandemic, the government ordered total closures of private spaces for offline offices. Companies had to adapt and pivot quickly. Infrastructures were created overnight in order to support employees to work from home.
Post the meteoric impact, as the dust settled, it became clear that this new way of working offered not only a temporary solution but also a glimpse into the future of work. I’ve personally experienced the perks and pitfalls of working from home, and I’d love to take you on a journey through the highs and lows of this evolving landscape.
I have been working remotely in my job at Dimagi since 2020. It is worthwhile noting that even before the pandemic hit, I was not required to check-in to our Delhi office everyday. I often had late evening calls with my manager (who was working from Boston) and a few team memebers (strewn across Europe), and so it made sense to take these from home. Oftentimes what would be the key driver for me to work from office would be the lunch menu. Wednesdays were Dal Makhani which I rarely missed.
However, post March of 2020, almost everyone in our office was required to work from home, and I haven’t lived in Delhi since. Its been a rich few years and I have quite some notes that I’d love to share about my experience. It is also an interesting comparison with folks who have resumed in-office duties in the last two-three years or so (some under ‘hybrid-office’ routines).
What I like about working from home
Reclaiming my Time: Gone are the days of frenetic commutes (trying to get cabs at peak hours? Sorry, not happening!), squeezing into crowded public transport, or navigating through traffic.
Working from home has freed up a significant chunk of time and energy that I can now invest in more meaningful activities. Whether it’s savoring a slow breakfast, sneaking in a morning workout, or simply enjoying a few extra moments of sleep, the absence of a daily commute is a blessing. Needless to say, it is also a much greener choice which allows us to be kinder to the planet.
Flexibility and Freedom: One of the biggest draws of remote work for me is the flexibility it offers. I can structure my day to suit my lifestyle, making it easier to manage work-life balance. For those of us with kids (or elderly parents or pets) it means no more frantic mornings managing 5 different timetables at once. Instead, you can see off your kids to school and comfortably start your work in zen-mode.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: For individuals with mobility challenges or other accessibility needs, remote work removes physical barriers and creates a more inclusive environment, making work more enjoyable.
Workacations: With the right mindset and organization, remote work even offers the possibility of “workacations.” Imagine working from a beachside café in Goa or a tranquil mountain lodge in the Himalayas! It’s the perfect blend of work and leisure, and allows one to explore new places while staying productive.
Global Opportunities: No longer limited by geography, you can apply for jobs on the other side of the world without the hassle of relocating. This newfound freedom can allow us to find roles that best match our skills and aspirations, regardless of where the company is based. Remote work has opened doors to global opportunities.
My Ideal Workspace: One of the joys of working from home is the ability to design a workspace that truly reflects our preferences. From ergonomic chairs to mood-lifting plants, I have created an environment that boosts productivity and well-being for myself. My space, my rules.
WFH is a boon for people with dependants
Navigating the Challenges
Comfort Can Be a Double-Edged Sword: Without the structure of an office, maintaining a routine can be tough. Household chores, TV, and family members can easily interrupt your focus. The line between work and personal life blurs quite easily. Setting clear boundaries becomes essential here. I would recommend designating a specific workspace (away from the bed or couch) and sticking to a regular schedule.
Technology Hiccups: Reliable internet and technology are crucial for remote work. But let’s face it, tech issues can still disrupt your workflow. Be it power outages, login/VPN troubles, or some 1 hour software update that your IT guy has been telling you to install for the last week and a half. These hiccups are some common occurences when you’re not badging in to your office everyday.
Communication Nuances: “Hey! Am I audible now?” We all know this frustration too well now. Be it Zoom calls or Google Meets, digital communication can sometimes lack the nuance of face-to-face interactions, often leading to misunderstandings. Regular check-ins and clear communication protocols can sure help bridge this gap. Tools like Slack, Zoom, and Trello facilitate effective collaboration but nothing comes close to a face to face meeting in my opinion.
Security Concerns: That 1 hr long software update from earlier? Turns out these security upadates are essential in order to protect your system from potential threats. Working from home increases the risk of data breaches and cybersecurity issues. Using secure networks, keeping software updated, and following company protocols are crucial for protecting sensitive information.
Social Skills and Team Cohesion: I feel that reduced in-person interactions greatly affect social skills and team cohesion. In this case, engaging in virtual team-building activities and scheduling regular video calls do help maintain social connections and foster a sense of community.
Missed Water Cooler Moments: The spontaneous conversations and idea-sharing that happen in an office are harder to replicate remotely. I have so many fond memories of these ‘water-cooler’ moments from my non-WFH days! These organic flow of in-person interactions are often priceless. Whenever possible, schedule in-person meet-ups to strengthen team bonds and improve morale. These gatherings can rejuvenate your spirit and remind you of the value of personal connections.
Learning to Embrace this Change
To make the most of remote work, leveraging the right tools is crucial:
Slack: For instant messaging and team communication.
Zoom: For video conferencing and virtual meetings.
Trello: For project management and task tracking.
Google Workspace: For document sharing and real-time collaboration.
Zapier: To automate workflows and integrate different apps seamlessly.
Working from home offers a unique blend of flexibility, comfort, and convenience. At the same time, it demands discipline, effective communication, and the right tools to navigate its challenges. Personally, I find immense value in this setup, enjoying the freedom it provides while staying connected and productive. With thoughtful planning and a proactive approach, remote work can be a highly rewarding experience that enhances both your professional and personal life. Whether you’re on a workacation or spending quality time with family, remote work has the potential to transform the way you live and work for the better.
Having an incredible team makes you miss them everyday!
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