# Work From Home - The New Normal? ![[assets/workfromhome.jpg]] _You can thank the COVID response and forced lockdowns for demonising the global workforce into 'working from home', a term now abbreviated to WFH._ **Written By:** Geovian\ **Date:** 17 October 2021 ## Introduction Remote working (another earlier name for WFH) had been in vogue for many years prior to the dubious 2020 outbreak, and for me personally, I've been doing WFH since 2004. It's taken 15 plus years for the rest of the world to catch on. So what do today's modern workforce need to understand about their professional responsibilities to their job and employer? Conversely, what do employers need to do to ensure continuity of their workforce under these forced new arrangements? Let me go over a few pointers - talking from someone with 15 years of experience. ## Don't take the situation for granted As of mid-2021, the world is not quite ready for a complete migration to WFH. Maybe in the near future when industry is convinced that productivity and profitability is not compromised by having a remote workforce will it become the rule rather than the exception. Mostly, I believe it's more of a trust issue that employers need to overcome. Nowadays, skilled professionals can pick and choose their roles, and if the job can be undertaken from a home office, you can bet many people will apply. Going to the office, sitting in traffic and putting up with the corporate BS that goes on in every workplace is a huge turnoff to many. There are plenty of available jobs out there and not enough people to fill them. Of course, working from home is made easier now because of the global situation. Social distancing in particular and offices being forced to close to prevent the spread of the so called virus are but two of the principle reasons why. Err hmm, cough cough.. But that's not to say productivity isn't compromised. People all operate differently and whereas some will struggle with WFH (especially those that need to feel the vibe of fellow workmates around them), there are others who will absolutely enjoy the solitude, allowing them to zone in on the work with minimal disruption. ## Employee Expectations Here are several pointers that WFH employees should follow to be productive: * Be professional, even if you'd love to be dressed in your Pj's and slippers while on a Zoom call. * Ensure your home office is equipped with all the tools you require to do the job. * A reliable Internet connection is a must. In Australia where I live, speeds have dropped to third world levels. It is simply appalling. We are all waiting for Elon Musk to put more Starlink satellites up in the sky and bring down the entry cost of that service. * Stay in touch regularly with your coworkers, whether by phone, email, online chat or Zoom call. Don't get lost out in the 'Burbs. * Get out and exercise when you can. Just because you're at home doesn't mean you should become a recluse and a coach potato. Try to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Your health will thank you for it. Trust me I know. * If you're working on the clock, organise yourself to be prompt and to be available. Absence arouses suspicion if your coworkers are none the wiser as to your whereabouts. * If you're only being paid for a 40 hour week, then work those 40 hours. Not 60 or 80. Just because you're at home and it's convenient doesn't mean you should pick up some bad timekeeping habits. You won't get paid any extra. * Avoid distractions. This is a biggie. Avoid social media, personal correspondence or other non-work related activity, like a side hustle for instance. Remember, you're on company time. Respect the privileged position you are in. ## Employer Expectations * Not all employers are the same. What works for one company won't work for another. However, don't be closed minded by wanting the situation to return to the way how things used to be pre Covid. The world has moved on and the employment industry has changed significantly from two years ago. * Employees now have many other priorities going on in their lives. For example, working for an employer that demands getting the jab is enough for that employee to resign and walk away, while prospective employees could thumb their noses and look elsewhere if presented with that challenge. Yes, personal health is a priority, and not everyone believes in the government narrative, which is so full of holes and laden with fear mongering. * Don't be surprised if there is very little interest in your vacancies. Many job adverts are poorly written, full of cliches, rhetoric and corporate jargon. People can spend less than a minute glossing over an advert and know immediately that they'll pass on it. Employers really need to lift their game if they want to attract top talent. Offering a WFH option could be one incentive, but it shouldn't be the only one. * If an employer absolutely demands a 9 to 5 work day located at the office, they should also look at online case studies of people who currently do WFH, or those who have done it for years, and maybe learn something about the changing landscape around this concept called 'work/life balance', because it isn't a myth. ## The new normal? Remember that employees have a life outside of work too, and that a job is just that. People come and go all the time, and they simply will not commit to your organisation as a one-company employee, as those days have gone. In some cases, a WFH opportunity is the No #1 priority for people, as issues to do with family, health, childcare, home schooling, and unnecessary time spent in traffic all present challenges which can be alleviated by working from home. In the 21st century, times are indeed changing. Not everyone wants to work for someone else, or work in an office. The younger generation are disrupters and game changers, and would prefer to run their own businesses. Why? Because firstly, they've seen from observing their parents and grandparents what an unrewarding experience it was for them to be a part of the workforce back then, and secondly, they are more driven to succeed than compared to previous generations. Being able to do all this working from home is the icing on the cake. Do you work from home? Would you like to share your experience with us. Get in touch with us via our Contact Us Page (see left Sidebar if on desktop, or top Sidebar box if viewing on mobile).