How COVID-19 Has Boosted Remote Work

The COVID-19 crisis has led to major changes in the Netherlands. One significant shift affecting many people daily is the transition to remote work. Not being able to see or speak to colleagues in person, for example, is something many miss, as well as the in-person client visits. Will this remain the norm, or will we see a return to the office in the coming months? While no one can definitively say, working from home has its pros and cons, as with any new situation.

Benefits of Working from Home

1. No more commuting stress—your workspace has never been closer! Just a few steps from the kitchen to the attic or from the bedroom to the living room.
2. Fewer distractions from chatty colleagues. Bliss!
3. Flexibility to manage your workload as you see fit. Want to crank out an extra hour at 11 p.m. or type up a report in your backyard? Why not!

Drawbacks of Working from Home

1. Reduced social interaction. No more chats around the coffee machine, asking “How was your weekend?” or carpooling to work. Video chats can help, but it’s just not the same.
2. Difficulty separating work and personal life. When your living room doubles as your office, can you really relax—or focus entirely on work? It may take time to find that balance.
3. Your time management skills are put to the test! With no one watching over your shoulder, you still need to meet deadlines. A reminder email from a colleague feels different than face-to-face commitments. Luckily, there are ways to manage your time well—using a time tracker can help you log your hours and stay accountable.

Tips to Make Remote Work More Productive

With so many people now working from home, it’s helpful to consider ways to make your workspace as productive as possible.

• Create a dedicated, quiet workspace. Look for an ergonomic chair and a comfortable desk, and set them up in a practical spot. Make sure you have good lighting and perhaps a plant on your desk for a bit of greenery.
• Put on your work clothes. The luxury of working in pajamas fades after a while. Dressing in your regular office outfit can help trick your brain into thinking you’re heading to work.
• Don’t forget to take breaks. Follow the same schedule as you would in the office, starting and stopping work at similar times. To be sure you’re working enough hours, consider using a time tracking system. At the end of the day, you’ll know you’ve done enough.

It may take some adjusting to get used to remote work, but soon enough, you’ll find your groove. Who knows, working from home might remain the norm even after the pandemic!

Start tracking your hours from home today. If you’re tracking only your own hours, Keeping is free forever. Or, try a 14-day trial of the Plus plan, perfect for teams.