I am Terrified of Returning to Office: Are You?

Summary

The author expresses their preference for working from home due to increased productivity, creativity, and peace of mind, while also sharing tips for effective remote work.

Abstract

The author discusses their initial struggles with working from home, highlighting the challenges of managing distractions in a joint family setting. However, they eventually adapted by creating productivity hacks and dedicating a specific workspace. The author cites a study suggesting that remote work boosts productivity by 77% and shares their personal experience of increased focus and creativity. They express their reluctance to return to office work due to concerns about distractions and health risks. The article concludes with tips for effective remote work, including creating a dedicated workspace, organizing tasks, taking regular breaks, and maintaining social interactions.

Opinions

The author believes that working from home is more productive than working in an office.
They emphasize the importance of a dedicated workspace for enhancing creativity and productivity.
The author expresses fear and discomfort about returning to office work due to potential distractions and health risks.
They suggest that a comfortable and distraction-free workspace is essential for effective remote work.
The author recommends organizing tasks, committing to intensive work intervals, and taking regular breaks to maintain productivity.
They highlight the importance of maintaining social interactions while working remotely to avoid loneliness.
The author advises against working in pajamas, suggesting that dressing up for work helps maintain a professional mindset.

A dedicated place enhances creativity and working from home boosts productivity by 77%.

I first experienced working from home when I was diagnosed with corona. Although I’ve learned some lessons in COVID-19, work from home (WFH) is something that changed the way I view work.

In the first week, I was devastated. I live in a joint family, so there are tons of people around me as soon as I wake up. It was nearly impossible to WFH with all the people around. First, the maid that used to make noises while cleaning my room. Then there was a doorbell which used to ring a couple of hundred times in the morning. And then, it was my mom who always thought that working from home means that I am free.

I am thankful to my wife for the support and understanding of my feelings. She was the least bothering person when I work from home.

I was unable to focus and produce valuable work, but as time passed and I adopted few things and made some changes in my routine.

I have heard that some people went bizarre working from home. But some of them, like me, are actually enjoying it.

Of course, there are pros and cons of working from home. But in the end, peace of mind is the thing that surpasses everything.

Why do I think working from home is the future?

Studies suggest that working from home boosts productivity by 77%.

The trick to effective WFH is to dedicate a place for work. From the day I allocated a place — my living room, I was able to work peacefully with no distractions and enhanced creativity.

I don’t know about others, but I am pretty satisfied working remotely, and the feeling of returning to the office terrifies me.

In an office, an open cubical, with all the co-workers roaming around and making small talks. For me, it’s challenging to write as writers need silence to get into the flow state where the magic happens.

In a dedicated space at home, no family member was allowed to come during my work hours. With the door closed, I was able to work seamlessly for hours.

With the uncertainty of COVID-19, I fear how I will return to work and focus on work, worrying about my health.

Thankfully, the condition is better now, but still, working from home is something I am comfortable with now. Remote work helped me work seamlessly, with enhanced creativity and more focus.

If you’re struggling to work from home, here are some WFH tips to make your work productive:

Tips for effective work from home

A dedicated, comfortable workspace: When you work from home, you need a dedicated and isolated place where you can work with no interruptions. Ensure that the place is comfortable with no tv or bed near because both will make you lazy.

Organize yourself: Make a to-do list. Start with the hardest task, schedule your meetings, emails, and calls. Stick to the schedule and try to create consistency in your work.

Commit to small, intensive work intervals: Work intensively for 52 minutes and take a break for 17 minutes. That’s how you will create work that matters. Remove all the interruptions for those 52 minutes, and don’t think about work during those 17 minutes.

Take a break: Regular breaks relaxes your mind, body, and soul. To stay productive, you need to grab a snack, drink coffee or talk to a family member about anything other than work. Or go for a walk.

Schedule a virtual commute: WFH might result in loneliness and lack of social interaction. To stay productive, plan an hour of the day to talk with a co-worker about something other than work. Ask about their family, their hobbies, and how they are feeling.

Dress up: Don’t ever work in your pajamas. Dress up as you dress for work. This reminds your brain that you’re ready for some real work.

For me, working from home is more productive than working in an office. What d you guys think? Let me know in the comments below.