Over the last three years, we’ve all spent more time at home than we planned. From lockdowns to quarantines, nearly everyone got to experience remote work. For those that suddenly were free of a toxic office culture or a long commute, working from home seemed like a great alternative… until it wasn’t.
From haunting chores to barking dogs to bored children, WfH quickly transformed from a semi-holiday experience to a borderline jail cell for many workers. The pandemic lockdowns removed choices, but it also had a lasting impact on employee productivity, satisfaction, and overall well-being. Being isolated from coworkers, family, and friends had a profound effect on the already growing loneliness epidemic that has been looming over Americans for the last decade. When going to the grocery store suddenly became an excursion, the reality of WfH was revealed. Many people experienced varying degrees of anxiety and depression from the sudden isolation, captivity, and general stress of a global pandemic.
While COVID-19 continues to cause interruptions to daily activities, behaviors have returned to mostly normal, except for the significantly larger population of remote workers. Because corporations and small employers alike adjusted their operations to accommodate remote or hybrid working options, the remote work movement is still going strong, with no signs of stopping.
However, sacrificing your mental health for the convenience and flexibility that WfH offers is a false dichotomy. Coworking spaces combine the productivity-focused work environment with the flexibility you get while working from home. No more feeling awkward cutting out early to pick up your kids, and no more eyeing the dishwasher knowing you need to empty it. Come and go from the office as you need to, including odd hours and weekends, and always have reliable internet and fresh coffee. Chat with other members or plug in and jam out, you choose the way you work best and always have the option to switch it up.
Join your local coworking space today for the balance you’ve been looking for!
