The number of workers preferring to work from home is on the rise. Research shows that the percentage of workers working from home increased from 27% in 2019 to 37% in 2020. Despite the tremendous growth in remote working, remote workers continue to be distracted by myths about their working environment and inability to choose the right furniture. Here, we debunk the seven myths commonly associated with working from home.
1. Only Few Jobs Can Be Done from Home
It is true that some jobs must be carried out on site. However, every job has a component that can be worked on remotely. Take, for instance, the work of a doctor. Doctors must be present at their workstation to attend to their patients. Nevertheless, a doctor’s work is not only about physically attending to patients. As a doctor, you can effectively work on the research part of your work from the comfort of your home. Most professions have an element of admin required as part of the job role, and providing everybody is comfortable with the idea, there is no reason this admin cannot be done from home.
2. You Need Sophisticated Equipment to Work from Home
While you may need a high-speed internet connection and a good computer, working from home is not any different from an office. You do not need furniture or rooms that are different from what you have in an office. In fact, working from home may demand less sophisticated equipment. However, to prevent backaches or any other discomforts, you need ergonomic furniture.
An ergonomic home office chair enhances your productivity by increasing your comfort as you work from your home office. It comes with an adjustable seat that is high enough to ensure you do not strain your eyes when using your computer or on your paperwork. An ergonomic chair also comes with backrest lumbar support to prevent backaches.
3. Remote Workers Are Less Productive
Hampered productivity is a common myth about working from home. The majority believe productivity is tied to the office environment. However, this does not apply to all workers. While some workers need to see and feel the presence of their boss to work, others prefer minimum or no supervision to be productive.
Productivity here is relative, there are those who work better from their home offices, while others perform dismally away from the office. However, the overall productivity of remote workers can be enhanced through proper investment in equipment such as a computer and related accessories as well as proper office furniture to give the home an office touch.
4. Working from Home Hinders Communication
To some extent, communication among remote workers and their colleagues may not match that of an office. However, with the right equipment and internet connectivity, remote workers can communicate effectively with their co-workers. Organizations may also adopt a hybrid system, which allows workers to partly work from home and join their colleagues in the office for a day or two. Maintaining open communication channels and frequent in-office sessions helps to strengthen teamwork and improve commutation.
5. Working from Home Encourages Sedentary Life
While jobs that involve sitting for long hours may encourage physical inactivity, the sedentary life is not unique to remote working. Office workers equally lead a sedentary life. However, those working in offices have an advantage of walking around expansive office spaces or walking to and from the cafeteria.
Workers working from home may also get the temptation of operating from the couch or from the comfort of their bedrooms. Reduced movement reduces their physical activity. However, active seating office chairs are available for remote workers who appreciate the importance of being physically active.
A cycle desk bike also enhances your physical activeness. You can have some workouts as you go by your paper work or connect with colleagues via the internet. The sit2Go 2-in-1 fitness chair would also help you remain active as you work from your home office.
6. You Can Not Sit While Working on the Standing Desk
The standing desk is designed to reduce the amount of hours spent sitting down. It is, therefore, not true that you have to stand the entire day if you use a standing desk for your home office. Standing desks allow you to alternate between sitting on an ergonomic chair and standing as you go about your official duties. The standing desk enhances your efficiency as you undertake specific tasks as well as keep you physically active.
7. Working from Home Creates Loneliness
New research indicates that working from home is experienced differently by different people. Many people prefer the office because they can socialize with their co-workers. But others believe that working from home gives them the work/life balance that is otherwise eaten up by commuting and meetings. Being able to see regular friends is important, and remote working often allows the flexibility to do this.
The Bottom Line
Working from home is a real job and you can handle all or part of your job from the comfort of your home. However, to enhance productivity and reduce aches and discomforts, you need to invest in ergonomic furniture. At FlexiSpot, we have all the ergonomic furniture needed to bring the office to your home. Contact us today at +44 204 5187 138 to place an order.
