Lulu, my fluffy, four-legged housemate is certainly pleased with the Working From Home (WFH) mandates, and it turns out many others are as well.
Findings from iMastery’s WFH Covid-19 Survey (April, 2020) highlight that despite the frustrations associated with lockdown, most respondents are enjoying WFH, and that post pandemic 71% would like to continue regularly WFH.
If WFH is here to stay, how do we optimise the benefits and mitigate the drawbacks? Here’s what the survey data tells us!
Key frustrations of WFH
The aspects that survey respondents found most frustrating about WFH are predominantly due to the unique circumstances associated with the pandemic. These include:
- Being at home all the time, isolation and loneliness
- Accommodating homeschooling
- Frequent interruptions from children and/or others in the house
- General stress and uncertainty associated with the pandemic.
Other limitations and frustrations highlighted in the survey data include:
- Inadequate workspace within the home environment
- Attending more meetings (virtual) and increased emails
- General disorganisation at home impacting capacity to get work done
- Absence of worthwhile check-ins with direct managers.
Key benefits of WFH
Majority of respondents (62%) reported enjoying working from home. The key benefits outlined in the survey data include:
- Less interruptions and distractions
- Increased work efficiency and ability to focus more deeply
- Time savings from no longer needing to commute to the office
- Greater flexibility and comfort at home.
What training is available to improve WFH?
Of course, as a consultant, facilitator and coach I am going to recommend training, and the survey data is in agreeance; 51% of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: Specific time management training or coaching on how to make the most of working from home in these uncertain times would be helpful.
At least a third of the survey respondents indicated difficulties with prioritising, delegating and making meaningful progress on top work priorities while WFH. iMastery offers specific employee training to address these, as well as offering management training so that managers can work more effectively with teams who are WFH.
Final Thoughts on Working from Home
Organisations that make an early effort to support staff needs, allow individual flexibility, enhance communication, actively improve WFH conditions and processes, and embrace adaptability will get to the other side of Covid-19 with highly-connected and productive teams. These are the organisations that will move forward with momentum and capitalise on the new opportunities presented by this WFH phenomenon.
Download a copy of iMastery’s WFH Covid-19 Report here.
