Working from home: How to make the most of remote work
Working from home, also known as home office, has become a part of our daily lives, and those who have tried it often enjoy the benefits of flexibility and convenience. However, there are a few advantages that might not immediately come to mind. Here are some tips and ideas based on personal experiences that can help make your remote work even more effective.
Flexible working hours
Why are flexible working hours important?
Flexible working hours are one of the biggest advantages of working from home. It allows you to work at your own pace and make the most of your most productive hours. This is particularly important in today’s workplaces, where employees’ diverse needs and life situations are becoming more of a focus.
Statistics show that flexible working hours increase employee satisfaction and engagement. A 2021 study found that 78% of employees believe that the option to work flexible hours positively impacts their work-life balance. Additionally, another study revealed that employees with flexible schedules are 30% more productive and feel 50% more satisfied at work than those working on fixed schedules.
How to create your flexible schedule
Many people struggle to balance work and personal life when they start working from home. Observe when you are the most productive and focus on working during those periods. If you are most efficient in the morning, start your tasks earlier, but if you find yourself more creative in the afternoon, schedule more administrative tasks for the morning. Having a personalized schedule allows everyone to work in their rhythm, improving long-term performance and reducing stress.
Employers should also consider offering flexible working hours, as this not only boosts employee satisfaction but also improves retention. Companies that offer flexible schedules experience 25% less turnover than those that don’t.
Advantages and disadvantages
Flexible working hours come with many benefits but can also present some challenges.
Advantages:
Work-life balance: Flexible hours make it easier for employees to balance work with personal commitments, allowing them to spend more time with family, friends, or hobbies.
Increased productivity: Employees can work during their most productive hours, leading to better performance and efficiency.
Less stress: Flexible schedules reduce work-related stress, as employees can better manage both workplace pressure and personal challenges.
Disadvantages:
Communication challenges: If employees work at different times, team collaboration and communication can become more difficult.
Time management issues: Those who struggle with self-discipline may find it hard to manage their time and meet deadlines.
Availability problems: Different work schedules may mean that some employees are not always available for their colleagues or management.
Overall, flexible working hours offer significant advantages for both employees and employers, but they may not be suitable for every industry or position. However, with proper time management and addressing potential downsides, the benefits of flexible hours can be widely realized.
No commuting
The benefits of avoiding commuting
Isn’t it great that you no longer must spend hours commuting every day? Commuting to work can take up several hours daily—time that could be spent more productively or enjoyably. On average, employees spend 30 to 60 minutes commuting each day, which adds up to hundreds of hours per year. It's no wonder many feel that working from home improves their quality of life.
Commuting not only consumes time but also drains money and energy. According to 2020 data from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH), Hungarian drivers spend over 200 hours annually stuck in traffic jams. The costs of commuting can also be significant: fuel, maintenance, and vehicle depreciation place a considerable financial burden on families. Eurostat data shows that European households spend an average of 13% of their income on transportation.
There are also environmental benefits to avoiding commuting. Car emissions, including carbon dioxide and other pollutants, significantly contribute to air pollution and climate change. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average passenger vehicle emits around 4.6 tons of carbon dioxide per year. Working from home can significantly reduce these emissions, contributing to a more sustainable environment in the long run.
What to do with the time saved?
The time saved by not commuting can be spent on activities that improve your quality of life and boost productivity. Imagine starting your day with a fresh cup of coffee rather than rushing to work in peak traffic. At the end of a long day, there’s no better feeling than closing your laptop, knowing you’ve avoided the tiring commute.
The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each day, which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and contributes to better sleep quality. Other studies have shown that regular exercise improves mental health, increases energy levels, and enhances concentration.
Avoiding commuting benefits not only employees but employers as well. More flexible working hours and reduced stress lead to higher employee satisfaction and commitment. A 2020 Stanford study found that remote work increased performance by 13% as employees took fewer breaks and sick days. Additionally, employers benefit from reduced office expenses and greater flexibility in the labour market.
In summary, avoiding commuting offers significant advantages for both employees and employers. Time and cost savings, reduced stress, and improved health all contribute to a better work-life balance, higher job satisfaction, and increased efficiency.
Higher productivity
How to boost your productivity?
When working from home, it's especially important to create an environment that supports efficiency and enhances focus. Below are some tips on how to increase your productivity while working remotely.
Creating a workspace
Clean, clutter-free workspace: Having a well-organized workspace is essential for working from home—unless, of course, your cat decides that your desk is the perfect spot for a nap. ? Keep personal items or household clutter away from your work area. A distraction-free environment helps you block out external stimuli and fully focus on your tasks.
Ergonomic furniture: Choosing the right chair and desk is crucial. Ergonomic furniture helps maintain good posture, reducing physical fatigue and the risk of long-term health issues.
Time management
Structured working hours: Make a daily to-do list and stick to deadlines. A well-organized workday ensures that you stay on track and don't miss important tasks. Identify the biggest challenges you face when working from home and find solutions to address them.
Regular breaks: To maximize your efficiency, take 5–10-minute breaks every hour. During breaks, do some stretching exercises or take a short walk to refresh yourself and regain energy. The Pomodoro technique, which suggests 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break, can also help boost productivity.
Environment and habits
Distraction-free environment: Ensure that your workspace is clean and organized. Avoid household chores during work hours, as they can distract you and disrupt your workflow. Creating a dedicated workspace or corner can help separate your work and personal life.
Lighting and air quality: Proper lighting and fresh air improve focus and overall well-being. Work in natural light or ensure you have adequate artificial lighting, and regularly ventilate your space to keep the air fresh.
Technology tools: Use technology and software that support your workflow. Project management tools, time-tracking apps, and communication platforms can help you stay on top of tasks and work efficiently.
Maintaining balance
Setting boundaries: It’s essential to set boundaries between work and personal life. At the end of your workday, shut down your work and avoid carrying tasks into your free time. This allows you to recharge mentally and physically and helps prevent burnout.
Mental health: Maintaining your mental health while working from home is crucial. Take time to rest, engage in hobbies, and nurture family relationships. To reduce work-related stress, practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing.
If you thrive on structure, too much flexibility might feel overwhelming. Establishing the right home office setup and habits can help you make the most of your day while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Working from home offers numerous benefits if you adapt your environment and routines to suit your personal needs.
Szabó-Péntek Anita
Business Unit Manager