WFH … PANS (Pretty Awesome New Stuff)?
Illustration by Eric Westbrook
Well I recently completed my stint with the Census Bureau and thus ended my brief government career. It was quite interesting and rewarding and I am sworn to secrecy — for life — about the people whom I interviewed and all data I recorded. But I can say that it was exciting to go out to different, random residences and meet people of all cultures, races, genders, sexual orientation and demeanors, wearing a mask amidst a pandemic. Now I’m back working from home … or, as it’s now popularly referred to: WFH.
When the pandemic ends, hopefully sooner than later (possibly the end of 2021 or maybe next July), I predict most of the workforce will rush back to the office or elsewhere as long as it’s not their homes. I’ve always viewed the home as sanctuary and working there — while a necessity now — corrupts its peace and calm. But it may be a selling point for many companies in the future as people adjust to a new reality.
For example, Microsoft announced more than a week ago that it will allow more of its employees to permanently WFH. “We have provided guidance to employees to make informed decisions around scenarios that could include changes to their work site, work location, and/or work hours once offices are open without any COVID-19 restrictions. Our step-by-step guidance includes considerations like office space, salary and benefits, local law, personal taxes, expenses and more,” a company official wrote in a blog post.
There are many benefits to working from home: no commute, meaning consuming less gas leading to a better environment, increased time for family, saving money on buying meals, wearing your pajamas all day etc. And, while American productivity arguably has increased, some say that it has made us less creative. ZDNet cites research from Microsoft that says the lack of interaction with their colleagues may have dented their creativity. “Employees are feeling increasingly disconnected from their company, therefore; and according to Microsoft, this has a direct impact on businesses' ability to innovate,” according to the story. Research showed that leaders surveyed thought their companies were less creative in 2020 compared with the prior year. Plus, employees had problems feeling connected to their teams and, as a result, less loyal to the company.
This change is new and we’re still adjusting to it. As Zoom, Slack and other new technological advances have made it possible for us to even WFH, we’ll probably find a way to become more collaborative and creative, replacing the elbow-to-elbow brainstorming in physical offices. InsideHook surveyed 11 veteran remote workers about how they coped with working at home long before COVID-19. Some cited a timer, while others various types of technologies. Dave Pell cited his two beagles. “I position one under each elbow as I recline on my couch and type on my laptop. Not only does that turn out to provide perfect ergonomics for my workstation, it’s also nice to be with two friends who don’t seem bothered by the pandemic or the collapse of American democracy,” he said.
