These days, many work tasks can be accomplished digitally, allowing more remote workers to trade the office for home. According to ABS statistics, this remote work revolution has led 30% of Australians to work from home compared to just 20% fifteen years ago; while these remote employees enjoy perks like no commute and more family time, working from home also has downsides that impact work-life balance and home life.
A 2022 Stanford study found remote workers see a 13% performance boost from working in a quieter home environment. A Buffer report revealed that 98% of remote workers desire location flexibility. So, while the growth of remote work offers advantages, it also poses challenges for work-home harmony that need solutions. One option gaining popularity is adding a backyard studio workspace separate from the main house.
This article will examine remote employees’ disadvantages when working from home, like distractions and loneliness. And we’ll explore solutions like constructing a dedicated studio space to maximise the benefits of remote work for both productivity and family members. The ideal balance of remote work pros and cons is achievable with the proper habits and environment.
Working From Home Can Be Lonely
While remote work allows a better work-life balance, it can also lead to loneliness for some employees who are removed from regular office interactions. A 2021 Yale study found that loneliness increased under remote work conditions, especially among young professionals. The office environment provides a hub for connecting with colleagues, having spontaneous conversations, and forging friendships. Without this daily social fix, remote work can become isolating.
Less frequent contact with colleagues when working remotely means less mentorship, direction, and insight. The casual office discussions that foster professional development and relationship-building are sorely missed. According to Owl Lab’s 2021 State of Remote Work report, 70% of remote workers today struggle with loneliness and the lack of in-person camaraderie they once enjoyed in the office space.
Possible Solutions
Some solutions can help restore social connections and rebalance work and personal life for remote employees. Being deliberate about scheduling virtual or in-person meetings can compensate for missing out on those casual collisions at the office coffee pot. Taking advantage of video calls creates opportunities for face-to-face interactions. Occasional visits to the office on days with essential meetings provide valued time with co-workers. Scheduling regular virtual or in-person social events with colleagues helps maintain bonds even while working remotely.
While working from home limits social time compared to being in an office, taking proactive measures to stay connected with colleagues and schedule in-person events can reduce isolation. With some effort, remote workers can enjoy improved work-life balance while nurturing workplace relationships and getting the social fix they crave.
Distractions at Home
One downside of remote work is the many distractions at home, unlike the focus induced by office settings. With no supervision and flexible work hours, it’s tempting to browse shopping sites or scroll social media more frequently. The dishes, laundry, and pets beckon as well, disrupting productivity.
While working from home saves money on commuting and other expenses, the tradeoff can be the distractions hampering deep focus. Employees may find it difficult to entirely “switch on” work mode without the physical and mental separation from home that an office space provides.
Possible Solutions
Creating a dedicated workspace is one practical solution, whether converting a spare bedroom or building a backyard studio. This professional environment, away from distractions, provides a private space for concentration, similar to an office. Commuting to this separate studio also establishes a ritual that shifts the mind into work mode. Outdoor backyard studios offer more benefits like tranquillity, nature views, and fresh air that boost inspiration.
A designated workspace provides remote employees with the separation from household distractions needed to work flexible hours with focus. While working from home can pose productivity challenges, a private studio oasis, disconnected from TV sounds and pets, helps recreate office concentration levels. This allows remote workers to gain financial perks without sacrificing efficiency or facing as many disruptions as a typical home office.
Self-discipline Required for Remote Work
Working remotely requires high levels of self-motivation without constant boss oversight. The flexibility of setting your hours and location when working from home can also lead to procrastination. Replicating the urgency and accountability of an office setting proves challenging for some remote employees.
When co-workers aren’t nearby, providing peer pressure to stay focused, taking extra breaks, checking phones frequently, or putting off tasks becomes more manageable. Remote workers have to resist procrastination themselves without in-person supervisors observing their progress. This lack of structure can reduce job satisfaction for those who struggle with self-discipline.
Possible Solutions
There are techniques remote workers can use to add accountability and combat falling productivity when working flexible hours from home. Building a dedicated workspace helps associate that area solely with “work mode” instead of distractions. Sticking to a routine and scheduled work hours establishes discipline.
Regular communication with managers and co-workers about progress provides external motivation and mimics in-office accountability. Video conferences help recreate the in-person conversations that keep remote workers on track. As mentioned, occasional office visits allow face-to-face supervision and collaboration, preventing isolation.
While working remotely does demand higher organisation and time management skills, tactics like maintaining a consistent schedule, touchpoints with colleagues, and a separate workspace provide the necessary structure. Remote workers can stay focused without office distractions when applying self-discipline best practices.
Other Cons: Ergonomics, Supplies, Tech Issues
In addition to distractions and isolation, remote employees face logistical challenges like a lack of IT support and proper office equipment. Working from the kitchen table or couch with a laptop fails to provide the ergonomic setup of a traditional office. This can lead to back, neck, and wrist pain without a proper remote desk and chair setup.
When technical problems arise without an in-house IT person down the hall, remote workers must troubleshoot issues independently or rely on remote tech support. The costs of supplies like printers, paper, and ink must also be covered personally when working from home, which adds up over time.
Possible Solutions
There are solutions to these logistical obstacles that come with remote work. Investing in an adjustable desk, ergonomic chair, and external monitors creates a comfortable and productive home office environment. Developing basic technical knowledge and utilising remote support tools can quickly resolve many IT issues.
Signing up for delivery subscriptions of frequently used supplies reduces trips to the store. While fewer resources are available when working outside a traditional office, making intelligent investments in home office furnishings, troubleshooting skills, and efficient supply deliveries can help maximise productivity and minimise headaches.
Benefits of Backyard Studio vs. Home Office
While working from home has challenges, building a dedicated backyard studio can provide solutions. A studio separate from the main house offers a quiet, secluded workspace detached from home distractions and family interruptions. This physical and mental separation establishes work-life boundaries.
A custom-designed backyard studio optimises your ideal workflow’s layout, storage, and furnishings. The ability to personalise this space boosts focus and productivity. Investing in a professional workspace also adds legitimacy when working remotely, underscoring your commitment.
Outdoor backyard studios provide even more advantages over indoor home offices. Immersion in natural light, garden views, and fresh air has proven mental and creative benefits. The tranquillity of a semi-outdoor environment separated from household chaos also aids concentration.
Despite being a separate building, a backyard studio allows easy commuting back to the main house for meals, restroom breaks, or quick visits with family between tasks. The two structures maintain connection and proximity for work-home flexibility.
A multipurpose backyard studio accommodates work while serving as a space for hobbies, exercise, or hosting small gatherings during off hours. This flexibility and duality of use optimises the value derived from the structure.
Constructing a detached backyard studio solves many everyday remote work struggles. This dedicated environment divides work obligations and personal life while allowing quick home access. With a customised layout in a secluded natural setting, a backyard studio empowers remote workers to thrive.
Get More Done In Your Own Private Backyard Office
Working from home certainly has advantages, like flexibility, no commute, and more time with family. However, it also poses challenges, such as a lack of social interaction, distractions, and difficulty replicating the accountability of an office. However, the proper habits and environment can optimise the remote work experience.
Constructing a dedicated backyard studio workspace solves the common pitfalls of working from home. The customised layout, separation from the main house, and immersive natural setting enhance remote employees’ productivity and work-life balance. Investing in this purpose-built structure legitimises working remotely while allowing convenience and access to the home.
With proper strategies, remote work can be viable and highly effective. The ideal balance maximises advantages like cost and time savings while minimising cons like isolation. We encourage those struggling to find their optimal work-from-home rhythm to consider creating their own productive backyard studio oasis.
For help designing a custom backyard studio tailored to your needs and property, contact Aaron’s Outdoor today for a free estimate. Our team can help you craft your perfect remote office retreat.
