New Rhythms of working in future

27/12/2021

by ElectronicsCrazy Team

New Rhythms of working in the future – The Future of Remote works

ElectronicsCrazy.SG aims to promote workstations for purchase or rental among individuals working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Transitioning from an office to a home work environment may introduce new electronic requirements and challenges that were not previously encountered.

‘Working From Home: A Major Development!

The Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. In response, governments worldwide, including Singapore, implemented stringent measures, including travel restrictions and mandates for non-essential personnel to work from home. As the world adapts to new ways of working without physical contact, the remote workforce is undergoing a significant transformation.

How is Covid-19 Reshaping Our Lives?

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about a radical change in work practices and culture. According to researchers from the WFH Project, conducted by the University of Kent and the University of Birmingham, there has been a significant increase in the number of employees working flexibly during the lockdown. Their survey, “Working from Home during Covid-19 Lockdown,” revealed that nearly 86 percent of employees worked from home, and 70 percent adopted flexitime (flexible starting and ending times for work). During this period, there has been a noticeable decrease in the stigma associated with flexible working. The experience of home-working has influenced employees' preferences for flexible working arrangements in the future. Many employees appreciated the flexibility to take care of children, manage household tasks, and spend more time with their partners while working from home during the lockdown. Additionally, 36 percent of respondents stated that they were able to complete more work in less time from home, and 43 percent found it easier to focus on work priorities while working remotely.

What Are the Most Significant Unknowns We Face?

Just as there were positive aspects, there were also negative experiences of home working during the lockdown. The blurring of borders between work and home was seen by 23% of employees as a major disadvantage of working from home. Many noted a lack of equipment and space to work efficiently. Additionally, missing interactions with coworkers was identified as a significant disadvantage, particularly among women without children. Parents, especially mothers, struggled to find the space and time to carry out work during the lockdown. They faced increased housework and childcare responsibilities due to the closure of schools and childcare facilities. A study by Stanford, involving 16,000 workers, identified a significant increase in self-reported productivity but a decrease in actual working hours among mothers, particularly those with primary school-aged children during the lockdown. In sum, the experience of mass working from home during the Covid-19 lockdown has transformed managers’ and workers’ views and preferences towards flexible working. It has the potential to influence societal norms around the gendered allocation of housework and childcare.

Office vs. Work

Those who were fortunate enough to avoid layoffs during the COVID-19 pandemic are now adjusting to a work environment that is both familiar and alien. Organizations are increasingly offering employees the opportunity to work from home for various reasons, including reduced office rent expenses, improved work-life balance, and time savings on commuting. Working from home gained popularity during the quarantine phase of COVID-19 as many countries adopted physical separation measures to curb the spread of the virus. Consequently, working from home became the only option for some employees. Given that employee productivity is a critical factor for businesses, it is essential to determine how working from home impacts productivity. The key questions are whether the impact is positive or negative and whether the influencing factors have changed since 2020.

Office vs. Home – What is the Difference?

No Commuting: Working from home eliminates commuting time, whether it takes 10 minutes or an hour to travel to work. Employees can start their workday earlier if they don't have to commute. According to a survey conducted by Airtasker, not commuting saves an average worker 8.5 hours of free time every week, adding up to 408 hours annually. Fewer Water Cooler Chats: While working from home, employees communicate with coworkers less frequently, whether or not it's job-related. According to a Stanford study, 70% of individuals value social ties at work more than just getting the job done. Working from home reduces the time spent interacting with others. More Time for Exercise: Remote employees can use their extra time to exercise since they don't have to commute and have fewer opportunities to socialize. Regular exercise benefits both mental and physical health and is a fantastic stress reliever. Those who work from home report exercising an additional 30 minutes each week. Peak Productivity: According to a survey on the WFH Project by Kent University, UK, 86% of employees prefer to work alone to be as effective as possible.

Balancing Productivity and Well-Being

Working from home instead of at an office is a significant change. Where at home can you be productive? How do you stay focused? When should you start and finish your workday? How will this influence your family life? It can be surprisingly tough. You might have countless raucous team calls, a child who needs help with homeschooling tasks, and a loss of routine and continuity. All these factors can be disorienting and stressful. However, not having to commute to the workplace might provide amazing opportunities to improve your work-life balance and create your own working day. Here are some tips to help you or your employees be more successful while working from home: Would you like any specific tips or advice included in this list?

Comfortable Workspace

Creating a comfortable workspace at home can help you stay focused and productive, similar to working in an office. Consider converting an extra room into an office or installing a workstation behind your sofa. Ensure that your workspace is equipped with everything you need to perform your tasks efficiently. Research shows that two-thirds of employees identify a lack of equipment at home as a significant drawback of remote work. If you are in Singapore, don’t worry! ElectronicsCrazy is here to solve all your workstation problems. Whether you want to buy or rent, we are your one-stop solution for all your electronics needs. We offer a wide range of products, including laptops, monitors, workstations, servers, cameras, printers, wireless routers, and many more. For your convenience, we provide same-day delivery and even speedy delivery within three hours to get your products to you quickly. Are you concerned about your budget or only need a workstation for a short period? ElectronicsCrazy.sg offers rental options for laptops, monitors, desktops, workstations, and all home and office electronics at the lowest prices in Singapore. With decades of experience, a solid infrastructure, quality products, experienced tech specialists, and a wide network of suppliers and vendors, ElectronicsCrazy.sg guarantees quality products, timely deliveries, and customer-centric services and solutions.

Get Organized

To stay on track, consider adopting a new organizational method or using a day planner. Creating a weekly work schedule with a list of tasks can help you maintain consistency and establish a routine.

Commit to Shorter but More Intensive Work Intervals

Focusing intensively for shorter periods can boost productivity. Spend a few hours tracking how long you can work before becoming sidetracked or bored. For example, if you can work for 30 minutes without distraction, maintain this pace throughout the day. Set a timer for 30 minutes after each break and work undisturbed for the following 30 minutes. You can do it!

I Need A Break! Take One!

Taking regular breaks allows your brain to focus and relax. According to Airtasker’s 2021 study, frequent breaks are the most effective method for maintaining productivity for 37% of remote employees. Make the most of your break by eating, drinking water, getting some fresh air, or checking in with your family. On average, a remote worker’s break time is 22 minutes distributed throughout the day.

Arrange a Virtual Commute

According to the Singapore Business Times, loneliness and a lack of social connection are among the most challenging aspects of working from home. Utilizing your typical commute time to check in with coworkers can foster social connections while also helping you focus your mind on the day's tasks.

In Conclusion

Depending on the arrangement, working from home can often prove to be a more productive environment compared to the traditional office cubicle, thereby enhancing work-life balance. The current epidemic has significantly changed our work patterns, leading many businesses to adopt remote work solutions. To ensure that productivity remains at corporate standards, it is essential to keep your staff comfortable, organized, and healthy. One constant in the evolving work landscape is remote work. Whether driven by necessity or personal preference, remote work is likely to remain a prevalent mode of operation for the foreseeable future.

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