Doug from Mornings had a chat with Professor Manju Ahuja about the hidden costs associated with working from home.
The Post-Covid Workplace
Professor Manju said that since COVID, the parametres have become unclear within the workplace.
“In COVID it was thrust upon us, but now people see how fun it is and enjoy the benefits of not commuting to work.”
“People don’t want to go back to work, even though companies have mandated it.”
Professor Manju said that they have collected data on an ongoing basis.
The Positives and Negatives
“It has an effect that is not just positive,” she said.
“You are trying to coordinate zoom calls, different expectations, disappointment, conflict.”
She said that in the short term it feels like the productivity is increasing, but in the long-term, workplaces are becoming more disconnected.
1. Work Becomes a Distraction
“One thing we found that was interesting is that both work from home and office workers take shelter in their work because that’s easier, you get instant rewards, instant gratification, rather than deal with the issues at home.”
2. Psychological Stress for Women
“It’s affecting women more because they carry more of the psychological burden, invisible work and so on.”
3. The Pressure of Quick Response
“One thing that is happening is everybody expects instant replies, and if you don’t reply to an email, they will text you.”
“Every interruption drains emotional and mental energy. This can happen several times an hour, which dysregulates us.”
Solutions
Manju said there is good news with their results, as there are simple solutions to make work from home benefit the entire workplace.
- Joint Planning Sessions Ahead of Time
- Accommodating to the schedules of parents
- Clear Communication
Lack of Communication
“We should focus on the output, we’re getting our work done and that’s what’s important. It’s what’s not important is you’re looking responsive because sometimes that becomes a barrier.”
She said the bests solutions to this are as follows:
1. Creating technology-free zones.
2. Set Clear Expectations about Interruptions (Focused Work Times)
“Tell people the times you can be interrupted from your work.”
3. Remember That You Don’t Need to Respond Instantly
“It can become a barrier in your own life.”
Work From Home Couples
Work-from-home couples experience heightened frustration and relationship conflict when technology allows the intrusion of work into family time, according to new research from UNSW Business School.
Professor Manju concluded by speaking to couples that work from home.
“Take a break together. Switch off at the same time so that you have some partnership time when you can connect. And also just take out that, just remove and eliminate that frustration that can happen from emotional overload. Do a quick check-in. That would be my advice.”
Check out the full chat with Professor Manju Ahuja below.