lthough it is an option that is not possible for all types of trades, teleworking consists of performing your function in the company at a place far from its headquarters; that is, without having to go to the offices. This is done through communication technologies, either through videoconferences, email or other digital tools.
The coronavirus pandemic led companies, workers, and consumers to quickly adopt new behaviors that are likely to continue, changing the trajectory and speed of trends that we thought were distant a couple of years ago. The debate on teleworking as an installed work modality is broad and has some consensus, that it is here to stay.
Although this type of work has existed for decades, the advance in digitalization, new technologies, and the coronavirus health crisis expanded and consolidated its use. In social distancing, teleworking has become a viable solution to sustain jobs and economic activities.
The demand for specific work skills and job offerings are both evolving. According to a study by the job site Indeed, the percentage of global job postings that mention "remote work" has nearly tripled since the pandemic began, rising from an average of just 2.5% in January 2020 to almost 7.5% in September 2021. The UK, Ireland, and Spain have seen the biggest increases in this percentage. By the end of 2022, according to the career website Ladders, 25% of all professional employment in North America will be remote.
ADVANTAGES OF TELEWORKING
Teleworking implies a series of organizational and task performance dynamics that entails several advantages. from the employee's point, several benefits come with working from home, such as savings in transport and mobility, better organization of time, the possibility to balance work with family life, the flexibility of working hours, and the possibility of working and generating income for those who have difficulties remaining in the labor market, such as persons with people in their care, people with disabilities, or people who live in isolated communities.
On the other hand, teleworking represents a huge advantage for companies regarding infrastructure, services, and energy expenses. It also helps with greater productivity, less absenteeism, and fewer workplace accidents.
HOWEVER…
As we have already seen, teleworking has many advantages, but there are downsides too. We must keep in mind that we are social beings. With teleworking, we lose the habit of going to the office with colleagues. This, most of the time, provides us with well-being and relaxes us, by allowing us to interact with other people. Lonely working days at home can increase our anxiety.
Another disadvantage comes from the use of technology. On the one hand, sitting in front of the computer for a long time can generate frustration and anxiety. In addition to that, it can cause us other discomforts such as eye irritation, neck tension, back and neck muscle pain, headaches, among others.
Keeping a balance between teleworking and healthcare
Even though teleworking has many advantages for everyone, we must bear in mind that there are also drawbacks. It is also true that many of these problems have a solution.
One of the ways to make it more tolerable is to maintain healthy routines, with set schedules and good posture. Additionally, it's crucial that we monitor our meals on these days when we don't do much physical activity. Another suggestion is to create a daily exercise regimen that we can do at home to stay in shape, let off steam, and burn energy. With all these rules in place, working from home will be more tolerable for everyone and we'll all be able to benefit from it.
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