Five Common Myths about Working from Home
The pandemic encouraged many organizations to implement remote work, but we have been doing this at Call Emmy since day one!
We hear many misconceptions about conducting business remotely and find the myths to be just that – myths. Without further ado, let’s dive into five common myths about working from home and see, based on my experience, why this couldn’t be farther from the truth!
Myth One: Communication Suffers
Many people think that you have very minimal conversations and interactions with your team when you work from home.
I found that I communicate with those I work with better remotely than in the office. With various apps, you’re still able to discuss important issues and projects. Using email and Slack for communication allows you to go through a conversation and refresh yourself on a topic.
What about Zoom, you may ask? You can record and share with your team, especially if a member cannot join. Digital communication can improve projects because it’s always there to reference.
Myth Two: Team Building is Non-existent
You may not be bumping into your co-worker when walking down the hallway, but just because you work from home doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to connect with your team and build a solid foundation for collaboration.
Meetings over Zoom are great for business as well as connecting with others. By sharing your schedule with your boss and co-workers, you’re able to set a plan of interaction when each person is available.
Have you ever had a virtual Zoom party with family and friends due to the pandemic? Some businesses hold events like this for a virtual social gathering to bring everyone together!
Myth Three: You Get to Stay in Your Pajamas All Day
Sure, there isn’t necessarily a dress code for working remotely. However, many remote workers, including myself, dress in a more business casual sense to let us know it’s the start of the workday.
Dressing for the day gets you mentally prepared and puts you in “work mode.” It may be tempting to want to stay in yoga pants (believe me, I understand!), but dressing like you’re going into the office can help increase your productivity.
Am I saying you need a fancy dress and high heels? No! Business casual, even throwing on jeans, can help you feel like you are starting the workday and ready for success! You’d be surprised how an outfit can change the way you think!
Myth Four: You Have Plenty of Free Time for Chores
This work-from-home myth is one I find almost insulting. I have heard from people in my life how I must have so much time to get the housework done and run errands.
I’ve even had people ask if I could babysit their children because they had to go into the office. I understand they’re not trying to be rude, but thinking we have all this free time couldn’t be farther from the truth!
A remote job is just like any other job that is in-person. You still have projects, meetings, and tasks to be done for your company that take up quite a bit of time. Some people may find themselves only needing a few hours a day to complete assignments, but most remote workers still need the whole day to work.
The best way to avoid this issue with those in your life is to explain your situation and how you’re not free during business hours. The work does not change, just simply the location!
Myth Five: Productivity Suffers
As I’m sure plenty of people know, it’s assumed that when you work from home, you’re most likely sitting there on social media or watching Netflix. Remote workers are not as productive as those working in the actual office when it comes to their jobs. Again, this common myth about working from home is a misconception.
Remote workers can be MORE productive because they don’t have distractions as you may find in the office. No one comes up to your desk just to talk, can take fewer breaks, and can just focus on the task at hand.
With fewer distractions and the ability to go through digital communication about the projects or assignments, remote workers can consistently focus on their work. I learned that I take little to no sick days because I’m not as exposed to colds or illnesses being at home as I would be in the office.
Closing Thoughts on These Five Common Myths About Working from Home
Remote work has become more common now than ever. Besides these five common myths about working from home, many other myths regarding remote work are false. The evidence comes from many businesses choosing to keep remote work because of the positive impact on both employees and the companies. I love working from home because I can do what I love and still manage to take on whatever life throws my way.
Do you work from home? Regardless of the answer being yes or no, what myths have you heard about remote work that you would like to see or learn? Leave a comment below to talk about this more and share mutual experiences!
Lastly, here are a couple of other relevant blog posts for you to read –