Life has changed. For some of us, this change has seemed like an uphill battle, we continue to long for a return to “normal”. But for some of my clients, they have told me a different story. They are finding that working from home has increased productivity and worker satisfaction. What may they see that others have not? Perhaps it isn’t any great secret at all.
Think about this for a second.
You wake up in the morning, stumble out of bed, walk to the coffee machine with your eyes closed so that you can have that treasured first cup of coffee, which will hopefully give you the kick in the butt you need to get motivated.
After downing your coffee, you realize you’re late for work, and the rush to get to the office begins. Shower, dress, trip over dog toys, rush out the door, get in the car to leave….and then realize you left the car keys inside, along with your to-go mug. Everyone else in the entire world seems to have left their house at the same time. Traffic is unbearable. By the time you get to the office, you have been up for 2 hours. You’re already in a bad mood from the morning rush and now you have a day of work in front of you.
As your day is coming to an end at the office, you breathe a sigh of relief, until you realize you need to rush back home to tend to the kids and deal with dinner. More traffic. More stress. And the next day? Rinse wash repeat.
Where am I going with this?
Working remotely literally saves you roughly 2-3 hours a day, gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, and the impulse Starbucks/Dunkin stop when you left your coffee mug in the house.
So tomorrow, when you wake up, realize that this time may actually have a silver lining. Embrace the fact that you don’t have to rush to work. Enjoy your coffee while relaxing on your patio. Take some time for yourself...and then let your day calmly begin.
Working remotely does not have to mean losing control over employees or bring about feelings of despair. In fact, it may actually allow people to be more productive. Sometimes a different perspective and a lot less rushing can make for a much better outcome and a more productive day.