The Unexpected Benefits of Changing Your Work Environment
Intellectual conversation vs vacuuming your house—both have their magic, don't you think? While I assume most of you have had the first one at the workplace, have you ever tried vacuuming during a work break? The first time I did, it felt like a productivity boost I never anticipated. Let me share my takeaways from my first remote work experience.
Time-Saving Benefits
We truly spend a lot of time commuting to and from work. While this depends on your location, let's face it—even 5-10 minutes can have unexpected benefits. My job required me to travel around 20 minutes each way by bus, adding up to 40 minutes daily. While looking out the window can be relaxing, it gets boring fast. The first time I worked remotely, gaining back those 40 minutes felt incredible. I could finally enjoy my time without waiting to get home or thinking about chores. I was immediately ready for my evening ventures!
Increased Productivity
There are benefits to being in the office and accessible to coworkers, but there are also downsides. Let's step into a familiar office scenario:
Bob just started his day by checking emails. Mary walked over to say hi and share her weekend stories. Bob tried to return to his emails, but his manager called for a presentation update. Realizing he hadn't grabbed his coffee yet, he went to the kitchen, only to be caught in a conversation about last night's game.
Sound familiar? Offices naturally have distractions, small talk, and micro-interactions. While some are valuable, many eat away at deep work time. At home, you're left with your own thoughts—no office drama, no interruptions. That time can be spent well.
Challenges & Solutions
You might ask, "What about home distractions?" Personally, I felt so comfortable in my own space that I focused more. However, I know people who struggle with home distractions or prefer flexible hours. In my opinion, as long as the job is done, does it matter if you worked 10 minutes early or late? Results matter more than rigid hours (unless you're in a support center or similar job).
Conclusion
Not all jobs can be done remotely, not all positions allow it, and not all employers are happy about it. But the reality is that remote work is becoming the norm. Both office and remote work have their benefits.
Personally, I prefer a hybrid approach. Sometimes, a small distraction—like vacuuming— might help more than kitchen small talk. And at home, your workspace is yours—no one can move you around.
So, try boosting your productivity with vacuuming—you might find the solution you were looking for!