Working from home used to be a luxury only tech companies or more advanced businesses could offer to their staff. After the Covid-19 Pandemic began, most businesses were able to shift to a remote, or work from home schedule. Some businesses were able to make the change permanent, while others will return in person when it is deemed feasible to do so. While so many embrace the fact that they can work in the comfort of their own home, not everyone feels the same.
Often, we think of the older generation that may be less tech – savvy, or have traditional workplace expectations as the one’s being apprehensive or unwilling to make the change to their work routines. However, it seems that might not be the case. According to the latest poll from cloud communications provider RingCentral, it’s surprisingly younger workers that are feeling this way. Yes, the perks of working from home can be great, but there are downsides too. There is a lack of human interaction, less connection to a team, and increased anxiety.
The survey found that many employees did not feel supported by their supervisors while working from home. There was also anxiety about going back to work in person and meeting coworkers whom they had never met in person. The respondents most concerned and feeling the negative effects of working from home were 21-24 years old. So, what does this all mean moving forward?
As companies deal with staffing shortages and a lack of applicants across most industries, it’s imperative that the feelings of employees be considered when planning and implementing remote work schedules. Now more than ever, employers need to be supportive of their staff and ensure they are connecting and engaging to implement what is best. Perhaps monthly in person meetings to help lessen the anxiety and alleviate some of the stress with the lack of human contact. Another alternative could be partial remote schedules that may better align with the employee’s needs.
