Social Media, Email, and Online Entertainment Closing excess windows on your computer that aren't directly connected to the work at hand. Silencing or shutting off news alerts and other pop-ups. Being disciplined about conquering digital distraction. Turning off the TV.
Your phone is a goldmine of distraction. From notifications to games and social apps, this device can pull you out of your work instantly. It's best to utilize the “Do Not Disturb” function on your phone, which will block out calls, texts, and notifications until you deem otherwise.
A noisy environment is another of the top distractions when you work from home. Your kids or husband could be doing something that is so loud it interrupts your thoughts. Additionally, it could be noise from your own creation such as a loud dishwasher or music you have playing.
Talking and texting.
People who use their cell phones to talk or text while driving are by far the most common reason for distracted driving accidents. In fact, the National Safety Council estimates that 26% of all car crashes involve cell phones.
The absence of set boundaries between work and home can also make it hard to concentrate. Working in an office makes it easy to leave work behind at the end of the day and move forward with your personal life.
In addition to the stress some experience from having to learn new skills, the virtual communication reduces much-needed personal contact and can contribute to anxiety and depression. Other challenges include spending the entire working day at home with spouses, children, or aging parents.
Also, without a physical separation between work and home, you could be working longer hours than before. "Working from home can have a huge impact on energy levels because it blurs the lines between personal and professional, which can leave us feeling unable to switch off," adds Dr. Ramlakhan.
On average, those who work from home spend 10 minutes less a day being unproductive, work one more day a week, and are 47% more productive. In a workweek, those who work at home are more consistent, work more hours, and get more done.
In contrast, working remotely generally allows for a quieter, more subdued atmosphere, reducing the likelihood of sensory overload and the associated feelings of stress and anxiety.
Remote working ability really makes people happier
While 81% of respondents said the opportunity to work from home would make them feel more equipped to deal with work/life conflicts. Remote workers are 22% happier with their jobs than on-site workers.
Remote working doesn´t lead to less productivity or motivation. According to a recent study by Michael Page it has the opposite effect, as many employees who work from home report that they are more motivated, productive and satisfied than before.
Remote workers cite better work-life balance as the top reason they work remotely. They have the autonomy to structure their workday so they can be their most productive, get their tasks done efficiently, and make time for activities outside of work.
There are fewer distractions outside of the office. You're more comfortable at home, which boosts your productivity. It removes the need to commute to work daily. You have more freedom to work at times that suit you.
Human interactions: Employees who live on their own and spend their days isolated in their rooms with a computer quickly lose motivation (this may even result in professional burnout). The problem can be solved, for example, by organising company online meetings or virtual team building activities.
People with high frustration tolerances are generally also conscientious workers, who particularly succeed at remote work. “If you're easily getting frustrated, then you're going to run away from [work] and use avoidance as a coping mechanism, which will shoot you in the foot,” says Pychyl.
Working remotely can reduce stress
Study after study shows that those who work at home have lower stress levels than workers in office environments. For starters, you won't need to deal with any aggravating office politics and drama.
Of the responding employees who worked remotely during the pandemic and have returned to the office in some capacity, more than half—57 percent—say they preferred working from home full-time. In comparison, 42 percent say they felt stressed about the uncertainty around their employer's in-office requirements.