3 ways in which work from home has done us more harm than good

Covid-19 has altered our lives, be it in terms of health, finances, personal life, or professional obligations. A major impact of the pandemic has been the work from home (WFH) norms due to social distancing restrictions.

While there are a number of advantages of a WFH set-up, ranging from spending quality time with your loved ones to next to nil time spent travelling, it also has some adverse effects that do more harm than good.

Here are three reasons why work from home does more harm than good

1. Increased fatigue

According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, remote work and the use of video conferences have dramatically increased during the coronavirus pandemic, making more people fatigued and stressed. Recurring video or audio meetings, and the obligation to remain online for fulfilling work related obligations, can take a heavy toll on mental health, causing fatigue and stress.

Moreover, the community-driven nature of the conventional workspace provides a certain degree of push and ambience that enhances energy levels, motivation, and productivity. These aspects are missing in a WFH set-up, and could lead to lethargy as there are limited options for recuperating and re-aligning focus.

2. Blurred lines between personal and professional space

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In the last year, the boundary between our personal space and professional life has blurred. Pre-Coronavirus, most of us generally got time to unwind post-work in the form of commuting back home or by socialising with colleagues or friends. However, these options are no longer viable for us due to the risk of transmission of virus and lockdowns.

Besides, there could also be a case that one does not have a dedicated workstation or the privacy of a seperate room, meaning that there is a possibility of constant interaction with family members and obligation to partake in household chores during working hours. This could trigger stress and anxiety due to the constant ‘clock is ticking’ nature of our jobs.

3. Over-eating

Besides a lot of time spent in sweatpants and track pants, WFH also attracts disorderly eating habits affecting the overall health. Munching on to our favourite snacks kept at just an arm’s length away, with no office policies dictating eating-at-desk norms, eating tasty but unhealthy snacks is quite natural.

This could cause weight gain, lethargy, and trigger a number of serious health ailments.

So, ladies, be mindful of these factors, and take active steps to mitigate any damage that WFH could do to your physical and mental wellbeing.