Still, every relationship built on trust has its limits, and it’s important that remote employees know those limits, for the good of everyone involved. 70% of employers said they thought their remote workers were sometimes taking care of personal tasks while on the clock, and nearly 25% said they estimated that time to be about two hours a day. While they are working remotely, the majority of these employees are also taking care of a few personal errands, whether it be picking the kids up from school in the afternoon or taking the dog for a walk around midday.
But in a home office, you can make the space truly your own and ensure it sparks joy for your workday. Choose your favorite music and set the volume to “nightclub” if that helps motivate you. When your surroundings match your work preferences, you’ll be able to get more done. Unless you’re extraordinarily wealthy (congrats on that), your experience of working through the pandemic has probably been miserable. If you’ve had to work in person, your days have been dangerous and precarious. If you’ve been able to work from home, you’ve had an enormous privilege.
Working from home has become increasingly popular, especially with the rise of remote work opportunities. However, one common misconception is that individuals who work from home are not as productive as those who work in a traditional office setting. So, how much do you actually work when working from home?
Setting boundaries
(Only 19 percent said that full-time remote work was their ideal setup.) Many people benefit from working and living in separate places. While remote employees gained back commuting time during the pandemic, they also worked fewer hours, note Barrero, Bloom, and Davis. Hours on the job averaged about 32 per week, compared with 36 pre-pandemic, although the work time stretched past traditional office hours. “Respondents may devote a few more minutes in the morning to chores and childcare, while still devoting about a third of their old commuting time slot to their primary job. At the end of the day, they might end somewhat early and turn on the TV.
There are also federal and state incentives to improve the energy efficiency of your home. On the flip side, you’re home more often which may mean using more power than you would if you were at the office, for instance, or buying yourself some home-office furniture—like a comfortable chair or desk. According to a 2021 survey by Bankrate, 57% of workers said remote work had a positive impact on their finances. For example, I always spent a lot on lattes and lunches when I left the house for work, so I’m saving for sure now that I make my own.
But devoid of choice and novelty, remote work has lost some of its romance for office workers who previously dreamed of ending their commute. In home offices around the country, the wallpaper has begun to yellow. Adding to the less optimistic view of a work-from-home future, Booth’s Austan D. Goolsbee says that some long-term trends may challenge remote work. Since the 1980s, as the largest companies have gained market power, corporate profits have risen dramatically while the share of profits going to workers has dropped to record lows. “This divergence between productivity and pay may very well come to pass regarding time,” he told graduating Booth students at their convocation ceremony. Companies may try to claw back time from those who are remote, he says, by expecting employees to work for longer hours or during their off hours.
And your neighbor, who you can only assume is building a time machine, starts firing up all sorts of power tools. In those moments, remote work life feels more like a punishment than a miracle. Japanese workers are reportedly still mostly opting to go to the office, even as the government promotes remote work. Among European executives, a whopping 88 percent reportedly disagree with the idea that remote work is as or more productive than working at the office. It is still early to draw strong conclusions about the impact of remote work on productivity. People who were sent home to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic may have been more motivated than before to prove they were essential, says Booth’s Ayelet Fishbach, a social psychologist.
One key factor in determining how much you work from home is setting boundaries. Without the physical separation of an office, it can be challenging to disconnect from work and truly relax. Establishing clear boundaries between work time and personal time can help ensure that you are working efficiently during your designated work hours.
Creating a routine
Creating a routine when working from home can also impact how much you actually work. By establishing a schedule and sticking to it, you can maintain productivity throughout the day. This includes setting specific start and end times for work, as well as scheduling breaks to rest and recharge.
Eliminating distractions
Distractions are another factor that can affect how much you work when working from home. It’s important to identify potential distractions, such as household chores or social media, and take steps to minimize their impact on your workday. This could involve setting up a dedicated workspace or using tools to block distracting websites during work hours.
Taking breaks
While it may seem counterintuitive, taking breaks can actually improve productivity when working from home. Short breaks throughout the day can help prevent burnout and improve focus. Incorporating activities like exercise or mindfulness practices into your break time can also boost creativity and overall well-being.
FAQs
- Q: How can I stay motivated when working from home?
- A: Setting goals, creating a comfortable workspace, and staying connected with colleagues can help you stay motivated while working from home.
- Q: Is it okay to work longer hours when working from home?
- A: While flexibility is a benefit of remote work, it’s important to establish boundaries and prioritize self-care to prevent burnout.
In conclusion, how much you actually work when working from home depends on various factors such as boundaries, routine, distractions, and breaks. By implementing strategies to manage these factors effectively, you can maximize your productivity and maintain a healthy work-life balance while working remotely.
