When I first started my career, I would ask my manager at least twice per week if I could work from home.
Looking back, I'm sure she didn't love that.
I mean, what 22 year old doesn't want to write copy while watching Netflix, take meetings during an afternoon walk, and sleep in till 8:55am?
If I ever could imagine a dream life - it was that.
Working for one of the largest tech companies in the world, my request to work remote, not surprisingly, was usually denied.
I understood the reasoning behind it, but I still wanted the chance to prove that I could be trusted in a remote work setting.
Eventually, my manager allowed me to work from home one day per week.
Being a talkative social butterfly, that one work from home day was when I felt the most productive. I no longer had distractions of coworkers coming over for a chat or 20 minute snack breaks by the water cooler.
I worked hard to show that I was reliable, as I felt that my job was at stake if not.
However, this led me to overwork myself, because I couldn't figure out how to separate work and life.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, I have been working remotely full time. My 22 year old self would be so excited to hear that.
The flexibility and convenience work from home provides are undeniable, especially when commuting to work is a daily hassle.
However, despite the many benefits of working from home, I quickly started missing my pre-pandemic in-office life.
At home, I found myself working longer hours, never taking time off, and lacking a sense of community.
But this was all I ever wanted. Why was I feeling this way?
I started doing some research and found that I wasn't the only one feeling stagnate.
Here's what I found:
1. A study conducted by the United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) found that people who work from home tend to work longer hours, which can lead to burnout and reduced work-life balance.
2. A survey by Buffer found that 22% of remote workers struggle to unplug after work, leading to a negative impact on their personal life.
3. According to a survey conducted by FlexJobs, 21% of remote workers reported feeling isolated or lonely, which can negatively impact their mental health and overall well-being.
4. A study conducted by the Harvard Business Review found that remote workers may have difficulty communicating and collaborating effectively with their colleagues, which can negatively impact team dynamics and work outcomes.
As someone who freelances full time in 2023, I have the flexibility to work from home, but post-pandemic, I choose not to.
Now, I'm not saying I've set up shop in a gray, 4x4 cubicle in the suburbs. What I mean is that I now work out of VentureX coworking spaces in Denver, Colorado, and if I say so myself, it's 'simply irresistible.'
There are several reasons for deciding to work from a coworking space full time, but the most significant one is the sense of structure it provides. When you work from home, it can be challenging to separate your personal and professional lives. The temptation to work in your pajamas all day or to take a break and watch television can be distracting, making it difficult to focus on your work.
In contrast, working in a flex office space provides a clear separation between work and personal life. When you go to the office, you are in work mode, and you can leave behind any household distractions or responsibilities. The professional, structured environment is motivating, and the sense of camaraderie can foster a positive work culture.
Another reason I prefer working in an office is the opportunity for social interactions. Working from home can be isolating, and the lack of face-to-face interactions can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. Being in an office environment provides opportunities for collaboration, brainstorming, and socializing with coworkers, which, for me, has led to enhanced job satisfaction and higher creativity.
When I first started working at VentureX as a coworking member, I thought I was crazy for enjoying being in the office more than working from my cozy couch. Was I the only one thinking like this? Work from home is supposed to be the IDEAL set up.
So, once again, I dove into the research.
I want to share some staggering statistics I found on remote workers who work at coworking spaces and the impact it has on their mental health.
1. Increased sense of community: A study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology found that individuals who work in coworking spaces reported a higher sense of community and belonging than those who work in traditional office spaces.
2. Improved mental health and well-being: According to a survey conducted by Deskmag, 84% of people who work in coworking spaces reported that they felt more motivated and engaged, while 67% reported improved mental health.
3. Reduced isolation and loneliness: A study conducted by the Global Coworking Unconference Conference (GCUC) found that 89% of people who work in coworking spaces reported that they felt less isolated and lonely.
4. Access to support and resources: Coworking spaces often offer a range of resources and support services, such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and training programs. A study by Small Business Labs found that these resources can help improve mental health by reducing resource related stress and promoting growth and development.
If you're anything like me, you might feel comforted after looking at this data.
After a few years of mandatory remote work, many people, not just me, were greatly missing the sense of community and structure provided by an office environment.
I try to pop into VentureX at least 4 times per week now. You can bet I never miss a happy hour, free lunch, or the chance to mingle with and be inspired by unique individuals from a variety of intriguing industries.
But every Friday and some lazy Monday's, I enjoy a relaxing, low-key work from home day. It's not always possible to get into the office, let alone have the energy to show up each day.
So after years of work from home trial and error, I wanted to offer a few things I have learned that make me feel most productive and support my mental health the days I do decide to work remote:
1. Set clear boundaries: Create a designated workspace and set clear boundaries around your work hours. This can help you separate work and personal time, reducing stress and burnout.
2. Take breaks and move your body: Make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day, stretch, and move your body. This can help improve blood flow, reduce tension and promote relaxation.
3. Stay connected with colleagues: Maintain regular communication with your colleagues, and take advantage of technology to stay connected through virtual meetings, chat tools, or social media platforms. This can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
4. Prioritize self-care: Make time for self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Prioritizing your mental and physical well-being can help reduce stress and improve mood.
5. Limit screen time: Take regular breaks from screens and disconnect from work-related emails and notifications outside of work hours. This can help reduce eye strain and mental fatigue, promoting relaxation and better sleep.
Overall, while working from home may be a desirable option for some, there are so many benefits to working in an office that cannot be replicated at home. The structured environment, social interactions, and improved work-life balance make it the preferred choice for many, including myself.
If you’re a remote employee wanting to learn more about coworking at Venture X, contact us here.
