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Photo of depopulated office plaza at the height of the Coronavirus pandemic.

April 15, 2020

Working from Home: The New Normal?

We all know that COVID-19 has drastically changed the manner in which many companies are currently operating: over half of Americans are likely working from home according to multiple sources. In an attempt to get a better understanding of just how these individuals are coping with the sudden change in location, the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) decided to poll nearly 700 employees who are engaging in telework due to the repercussions of coronavirus.

52% of respondents are utilizing a home office to work in, whereas 14% are doing work from a couch and 8% from their bed. As far as who their “coworkers” are, 55% responded with pets as well as their significant other. Though 41% of individuals noting that they are working from home with children, only 13% of respondents said that they are interrupted by others in the household more than 10 times a day.

Pros and Cons

When asked what the largest challenge of working from home was, respondents said:

  • It is difficult to unplug at the end of the day
  • Missing in-person collaboration with colleagues
  • Juggling both their work and their children’s school-work
  • Increased workload or technology problems
  • More distractions and interruptions

When asked what the best part of working from was, the responses were:

  • Reduced commuting time
  • Better balance of home and work responsibilities
  • Flexible hours and increased productivity
  • Getting to spend more time with those who are home with them
  • Less distractions and interruptions

Regardless of where and who your employees may be working from home with, it should come as no surprise that different strategies are being adopted by different individuals. Both SHRM and HR.com are wonderful resources on how you can assist your team in transitioning in and out of working from home. In addition, Atlantic’s support team is here for any needs or concerns you may have for your business; we’re more than happy to help! For more information on the results of the poll administered by SHRM, click here.