Five Myths or Misconceptions About Working From Home

Working remotely or from home is nothing new, however, there are some aspects that can make  some employers wary if not a little confused about the setup

When bringing up the concept of “working from home”, what often comes to mind for many is an employee lazing about all day in their pajamas and comfortably lying on their bed or sofa with their laptop as they “work”. Ask anyone who actually does work from home, and they will admit how they often get comments about how lucky they are to have an easy time getting away with not being productive.

However, like the reality of just about anything else, working from home is not as glamorous as it’s made out to be. Work, after all, is still work, and having to do so at home poses its own unique challenges. So while there are benefits to it like spending less on commuting to and from the office and getting to wear the most casual of clothes, employers shouldn’t assume that working from home is an unreliable setup made to only make things easy for employees.

As a matter of fact, assumptions shouldn’t be made at all, given the times and the need to have people remain home for the foreseeable future. With that being said, the following are some myths and misconceptions about working from home that is better forgotten.

Working from home is a work perk

While there are benefits to working from home like being able to save time commuting to and from the office or sleep a little longer before starting one’s day, working from home— even before this period of social distancing— is hardly a perk, and now more of a policy. It is one that can be changed as needed.

So alluding to employees that they are fortunate to be able to work from home can be dispiriting to them, as they likely are already aware that the opportunity to retain a job from where they reside is not available to everyone else, and they are likely just as hard as they would in an office.

It is only beneficial to employees

Another misconception some employers have made regarding a work from home setup is that it is solely to the benefit of employees. However, there are also a number of ways that it benefits the implementing company, community quarantine or not.

• Minimize on rent expenses because the office space needed is smaller (or, in some cases, none at all)

• Also reduced expenses on utilities like water, electricity, and internet, as well as other office necessities

• Reduced absenteeism

• A talent pool that extends beyond the company’s location

Work from home employees are not as committed or productive

When it comes to employees’ commitment and productivity, a work from home setup is hardly the issue. As long as employers go through the rigors of interviewing, selecting, and training people properly, and have a company culture that includes accountability, discipline, and loyalty, then employees will prove to be worthwhile hires no matter where they work.

In fact, studies like those of the Harvard Business Review, among others, have indicated that while not all professionals are cut out or have a preference for a work from home setup, those who do are actually slightly more productive than their office counterparts.

Remote work results in a lack of communication

While there are indeed some limits to communication when incapable of doing it in person, this by no means is a reason or excuse for remote work to lead to communication issues. Instant messaging and video calling tools such as Google Hangouts, Zoom, Skype, and Viber, among others, are readily available for download and use, with the most pressing concern for employers is deciding which will be the one the company will unilaterally utilize.

That is on top of the standard company email which, while not the most convenient mode of communication, helps everyone have more ownership of their responsibilities as records or “paper trails” of company communications are easily retained. Communicating while working from home also forces more “traditional” employers and employees to embrace new technologies and ultimately contribute to moving the company forward.

Company culture doesn’t exist with work from home employees

It is well documented how well-known companies like Google and Facebook have worked extensively to establish work environments that embody a particular work culture. From open office layouts, company gatherings, or free meals or gym use, all these are done to foster camaraderie, collaboration, and even creativity.

Unfortunately, company culture isn’t the easiest to share or teach when the employee is working remotely. However, it isn’t impossible. Company culture is what an employer makes it, and the key is to communicate the values, vision, and policies it has clearly and often.

The key is to also remember that remote workers can be valuable contributors even when they are unable (or have little desire) to participate in regular team building or social activities with coworkers in person, and actually allowing them to work in ways that suit them is what actually increases their morale and performance and has them buy into the company mission and culture.

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