Many countries around the world have mostly entered into lockdown, as governments seek to limit the movement of people and thus, the spread of COVID-19. We are now having more people working from home than ever, with many businesses encouraging their workers to do so whenever possible. So what are some things we might have noticed while doing so? Let’s find out.
1) Working quirks of our family members
Unless you’re involved in a family business, it’s unlikely you’ve interacted with members of your household at work. This brings up many interesting cases where you’re suddenly exposed to the working habits of your living partners. Some instances such as a partner having a different work voice compared to the voice you’re used to hearing can result in amusement, while others such as hearing your usually quiet wife or husband suddenly turn into a domineering character in a meeting can be quite a shock. A post twitter user @RemoteClancy even out called out his realization that his wife uses personnel management techniques on him all the time! Check out boredpanda for more things that people have discovered about their significant other here!
What are some of your partner’s working habits? Let us know in the comments down below!
2) Behaviors of our Children
It’s often said that teachers are slowly taking over more of the responsibilities of a parent. In 2019, it was found that around 73.2% of UK households with children had both parents as employed. In the US, the figure stood at 62% based on official 2017 statistics. As a result, it was possible for teachers to end up seeing more of the kids than the parents themselves. This has resulted in some situations where the image that the parents have of their kids is far removed compared to how their kids behave when their parents aren’t around.
It should be no surprise then that as schools started shifting lessons online, parents too started to gain better insights into their kids. Some teachers have even voiced their relief that some parents will soon discover their little “angel” may not be so angelic after all. It also resulted in an incident where a parent in Singapore discovered another essential commodity that was sold out in some shops – disciplinary canes. Apparently, it was the best-selling item in some shops that the parent had visited! Read more on this story at Yahoo news.
3) The amount of time freed for other activities when commuting is no longer a requirement
Thanks to the implementation of remote working across many countries, many of us no longer need to withstand the daily commute to and from the workplace. A study done by Dalia Research showed that in 2017, at least 42 countries recorded an average commuting time of 1 hour or more each day. It certainly seems true that we now have more time in our hands thanks to this hour that has been “returned” to us. What will you do with it?
Check out care.com for a list of 101 things you can do with an extra hour, but please keep in mind that some of their activities will have to be avoided or done online due to the Covid-19 situation.
4) Working from home is great, but not when it’s the only option.
Despite the increasing trend pre-Covid19, flexi-work or remote working was still not something that a majority of businesses employed vastly. For those who have not enjoyed such arrangements previously, the implementation of remote work must seem like an ideal benefit to enjoy. However, while the notion that working from home has its benefits still holds true, there are also some ways which remote working just isn’t able to deliver especially when there are no other alternative working arrangements.
Firstly, while technology has certainly enabled us to keep in contact effectively via video calls and online meetings, it doesn’t help in re-creating the ability to have a quick word with our colleagues, or bounce ideas off our teammates.
Its hard to have casual sessions like these despite the availability of online meeting programs.
Then, there is also the number of distractions that make it hard to focus on tasks at hand. At the office, distractions are kept to a minimum, with only online browsing and the occasional colleague to come by. However, with the additional distractions at home such as your gaming console, your bed, or kids, it can be extremely difficult to stay focused especially when needed.
If you need tips on staying focused while working from home, check out dreamhost.com for 16 Ways to Stay Focused When You’re Working from Home
5) The need for a better living space
As we spend more time at home, it becomes almost inevitable that we start noticing issues which previously seemed trivial. It could be something minor, like an annoying chair that squeaks, or a table that has a slight wobble. It could also be something bigger. Like how unsatisfactory it would be to be greeted by a setting that gets duller by the day. For those who are looking at changing things up, check out “75 Small Upgrades You Should Spoil Your Home With This Year” published by House Beautiful. Alternatively, check out Max Sparrow’s “10 Affordable Ways to Make Your Home Feel Like A Luxury Hotel” if you want to feel like you’re on a staycation from the comfort of your own home.
Did you know? In China, where COVID-19 restrictions are starting to be lifted, the property market has already picked up as people start to look for, and purchase or upgrade their properties. This provides an interesting insight as to how markets may perform for other countries as restrictions get lifted. If you’re looking to stay updated with news and developments, make sure to follow us on our social media platforms below!