As a tech entrepreneur who built my business before, during and since the pandemic, I’ve seen the shift that every business owner and organisation has seen.
The shift from office working, to remote working, to hybrid working, and now to somewhere in between. So, while organisations still grapple with how best to approach remote working and every organisation takes a different approach to it, there are some common themes that consistently crop up in conversations.
The flexibility around remote working undoubtedly has its advantages, and yet at the same time it has also introduced significant challenges – many of which are quietly eroding productivity, work-life balance, and employee well-being. And it’s these challenges which have led me to starting my new venture, namely, uRoutine. A venture focused on supporting people and organisations and giving them more structure, support, routine and accountability in an increasingly chaotic world.
Remote Working and Its Impact
The pandemic accelerated a move towards remote working that nobody was quite prepared for. While the freedom to work from anywhere was initially celebrated, it soon became clear that the lack of routine was taking its toll. Without the natural structure of the office – think commutes, coffee breaks, and set working hours – many people found themselves working longer hours with fewer boundaries. In fact, while it may not seem like a lot, research from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the average workday increased by 48.5 minutes post-pandemic. Many would argue, I believe rightly so, that this is leading to higher stress levels and burnout.
The lack of separation between work and home has caused serious issues for employees, even the ones who celebrate remote working. A study by the Royal Society for Public Health revealed that 67% of remote workers felt less connected to their colleagues, while 56% reported increased levels of anxiety and stress. Additionally, many are struggling to prioritise their health and well-being, as work bleeds into personal time. Ultimately, these problems result in a decline in productivity rather than an improvement, despite employees spending more time at their desks.
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