While I was watching the episode of “Friends” where Chandler’s new boss keeps on slapping his backside, in my head I said, ”well that’s not going to happen now that everyone works from home.”
Not that slapping the backside is correct because that’s another long article, but in the episode it’s Chandler’s boss’ way to interact with his favourite employee – his way of connecting and hopefully creating a relationship while he shows his appreciation (which Chandler didn’t like and he later on expressed that to his boss).
Though we need to follow a certain decorum at work, it still gives us the chance to get to know people up close, understand how they react to certain situations and vice versa – all to understand better each other and make the work environment more warm and friendly. Who knows, you could be Facebook friends after a while.
Currently, the work-from-home situation is becoming to be one of the major features of the “new normal.” And although the usual benefit may be with the employer, there are also a number that works with the employee:
- ONE CAN WORK IN A CUSTOMIZED ENVIRONMENT. Since all that people are going to see is as much as their screen can accommodate, the rest of the space is up to you – where you face your work table, a reachable coffee pot, a stool to rest your feet on etc.
- IT TAKES OUT THE RIGORS OF TRAVELLING. May it be driving to work or taking public transportation, aside from the amount of time that you have to spend en route to work, you also save on travel expenses like petrol or your opal top ups. It also saves you from getting into possible accidents.
- YOU CAN MULTI-TASK. You can do your meetings while doing your laundry. You can read up on reports and surveys while sweeping the kitchen floor and the like.
- POSSIBLY NO GOSSIP. Because relationships begin and end with what is on screen, talk times are limited - meetings become more dynamic to maximise the time and focus on the results.
- ONE HAS MORE TIME TO BE WITH LOVED ONES. It’s really comforting for your family to see you at your corner and accessible if and when they need you. And you can slip in your small talk with your kids or decide on something immediately with your partner.
However, there are some looming disadvantages that can occur given the nature of the current lockdown that may affect the employee’s disposition:
- SPONTINEITY IS OUT OF THE WINDOW. This is something that can be inspired by group dynamics – breaking rules, crossing boundaries, looking at different perspectives are only some of the possibilities which come faster with face-to-face interaction.
- EQUIPMENT CHALLENGE. Aside form the possibility of low internet connections, other office equipment may not be available – a second monitor, a photocopier, a scanner etc.
- WAITING FOR ANSWERS MAY ALSO BE TRICKY. It used to be faster by just walking towards your officemate and asking for the file or finding out the result of certain projects. Now, prompts and reminder pop-ups can be treated as suggestions and not as a sign of urgency.
- YOU ARE CLOSER TO DISTRACTIONS. Netflix. Amazon Prime. Stan and the fridge. This takes on another kind of social distancing.
- ORDERING IN FOOD. Especially when you are a workaholic and you’d rather work than cook your own meal. Aside from the additional expense that you can incur, the healthy levels of eating fresh meals may also be amiss … Unless … (sponsor opportunity here .. wink! Wink!)
Either way, it sometimes takes a toll on one’s psyche that can lead to burn out. The demarcation line of distance and time provides one a “prep time” to take on your duties wearing another hat. The distance from your room to your make-shift work area or the couch may not be enough to get you in the proverbial “zone.” On the flipside, the constant pressure at work that can be relieved by small talk and ciggie breaks with your mates may not be all that futile.
In this “new normal,” work life balance may take on a different angle and a new perspective may have to be adapted. Activities like online group drinking sessions among work mates or online show and tell may be necessary to humanize the person in front of the screen. Conversely, at home, once the work hours at done, the computer should be put aside for one to be present – physically and mentally, at home.