We are currently in a period where most companies are considering the option of “remote work” for their employees, depending on the possibility of ensuring the continuity of all internal processes through this working method. This is a temporary measure aimed at limiting social contact and preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Even though some of us are familiar with this way of working, we have experienced it for a much smaller number of days and, as a result, perceived it as a benefit granted by our employer. However, in the current context, the situation is entirely different, with companies facing significant challenges, both from a legislative and functional standpoint.

Depending on your perspective, there are a series of advantages and disadvantages associated with working from home:

-Time Savings: We can enjoy the time we no longer lose daily in traffic, both in the morning and evening, including an extra hour of sleep. For many of us, time spent with family is very important, and the absence of traffic and crowded public transportation no longer affects our health by avoiding fatigue caused by commuting.

– Balancing Personal and Professional Life: This is a period when we can take advantage of the time saved to establish a balance between personal and professional life and to reconnect with family members.

– Comfort of Home: The comfort we have at home can also be an advantage. You feel much better in your personal environment, and you can choose your own workspace (kitchen, bed, desk), including your attire. The daily question, “What will I wear tomorrow?”—especially for women—no longer exists. 🙂

– Cost Reduction: You can reduce the expenses you might have on a regular day at the office. We know well that there are many culinary temptations, healthy or not.

However, there are also some aspects to consider when working from home. In the long term, and not only, you may experience a decrease in efficiency and individual productivity, which will inevitably reflect in the company’s performance. Additionally, some of us may feel a strong sense of isolation due to the lack of daily interaction and teamwork.

To overcome these challenges, it is essential to maintain constant communication with colleagues and your direct manager regarding the status of the projects you’re involved in. Tools like Skype or other communication platforms are extremely helpful during this period.

Organization and Routine: It’s also very important to maintain a rigorous organization and stick to your daily schedule, trying to follow your usual office habits, including taking breaks. We should adopt the same multitasking approach and prioritize our responsibilities in the same way. Just because your direct manager isn’t physically next to you to monitor your activity doesn’t mean you should leave idle time or postpone tasks. The more you delay them, the more overwhelmed, stressed, and frustrated you will feel later on.

At the same time, it’s wise to avoid distractions when working from home, such as household chores or other activities. This will only blur the boundaries between professional and personal life, leaving tasks incomplete in both areas. You may end up working chaotically, sometimes far beyond the average work hours, leading to dissatisfaction.

Social Media Trap: As a final recommendation, avoid the trap of spending too much time on social media. We live in a technological era and increasingly feel the temptation to check certain social media sites, sometimes even out of instinct. This is a way to lose focus on our daily activities. Social networks should be used in moderation, perhaps in the morning or during breaks, ensuring they do not impact your productivity.