Working from Home-The New Normal?

As recent events happening in the world scene has shown, the Coronavirus Pandemic being the foremost of them all has compelled companies to change their office working policy, the need to work from home is fast becoming a necessity rather than a luxury. Most organizations all over the world are currently opting for a work from home policy for their staffs especially when their services require no direct interaction with production machines, as it is in industries.

According to a recent report by The NY Times, Twitter as an organization recently adopted the work-from-home policy, Facebook has also done the same, indicating that in the near future they would allow their staff to work remotely ‘forever’.

What about Nigeria?

A study of recent LinkedIn Job feed has shown an upsurge in Job Advertisements from businesses in Nigeria advertising for workers who would work remotely.

While remaining mindful of the fact that telecommuting presents unique challenges to Nigerian workers and their employers because of inadequate social amenities like electricity and the Internet, The potential benefits that will arise from adopting this method far outweigh the present difficulties.

Pros and Cons of Working from Home

Come to think of it?

Who would not want a break from stress caused by commuting to and fro to the office, some using rickety buses (Danfo) while incurring high transportation costs and losing valuable time? what about the flexibility that comes with being able to adjust your own schedule? Most people have even discovered that they are able to be more productive while working from home.

Challenges that may arise as a result of working from home may include loss of physical social interaction with colleagues and distraction from children, family members, roommates, and pets who live with you. Can you now weigh the pros and cons and decide which 'wins'?

The bottom line is this, The decision to work from home can prove to be exciting, motivating, and profitable to you if your present work circumstances allow it, but you must be prepared to take the added responsibilities that come with such privilege. Self-discipline, focus, and planning will be necessary for you to succeed in your ‘new’ office away from the office.

With all that said, I welcome you, my friends to the "New Normal".