As Canada reopened after the COVID-19 lockdowns, many businesses encouraged their workers to return to the office. However, despite the lifting of restrictions in Canada and around the world, telecommuting as a normal work arrangement has remained popular in different industries.
Different polls over the past three years show increased interest in telecommuting among Canadian workers. Polls have shown that many Canadians prefer telecommuting and some they will consider a career change to maintain their telecommuting status.
The popularity of telecommuting seems pretty obvious. It provides more flexibility, reduces the need to move and i can improving productivityamong other indirect benefits.
However, being confined to our homes for long periods without access to different activities can expose telecommuters to cabin fever, lack of motivation and stress.
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Advantages and disadvantages of remote work
In a recently published study, we conducted extensive interviews with 14 telecommuters who relocated in the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that telecommuting arrangements allowed some people to move away from big cities and financial centers to buy homes in more affordable areas. In some cases, telecommuters have been able to achieve a better standard of living that was not possible without telecommuting.
Another indirect impact of telecommuting has been the health benefits associated with higher productivity and less commuting. Most of us have first-hand experience of exhaustion after long hours of commuting in the morning and returning from work in the afternoon. This fatigue can often make us feel spent. Not having to commute means we can be more productive and get more done with our day.
There are other indirect benefits such as having more time to cook meals at home, eating healthier, having increased financial flexibility and improved overall quality of life.
However, along with all these advantages, there are some disadvantages that people should consider before signing up for remote work. If you plan to move away from the city to a more affordable area, Our research shows that you will likely become dependent on the car.
Moving away can also mean leaving friends and family behind. This means you either have to travel further to visit them, resulting in higher travel costs, or you won’t see them as often as you’d like.
This may be fine for some, but others may need a significant amount of social interaction while working from home. Not being able to see our family and friends as often can be isolating and detrimental to our well-being.
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Treating cabin fever
Telecommuters may experience reduced social interactions after a while or have reduced physical activity. Being at home for extended periods of time can leave some feeling that they are experiencing cabin fever. Symptoms of cabin fever include; irritability, feelings of restlessness and loneliness.
Habits and behaviors may change over time after remote or full remote work. Behavioral changes can cover a wide range, including but not limited to changes in transportation mode, thermostat setpoints, physical activity, and many other characteristics, which can significantly impact both telecommuters’ lives and the environment.
Some telecommuters find satisfaction in having more social interactions with their partners, children and family. Others may need a certain amount of social interaction with their office colleagues. And some other people may need active social interactions with their friends, family members and colleagues.
Telecommuting without social interaction or physical activity can lead to cabin fever in the long run. Most of us who were working during the lockdown experienced the need to leave the house even for a short walk. Small actions like short walks, exercise and social interactions can help reduce cabin fever. Telecommuters should constantly be aware of such effects of telecommuting that can affect their quality of life in the long run.
Whether you move out of town or stay downtown, fully remote work can cause cabin fever if telecommuters develop bad habits and behaviors. To avoid such problems in the long term, remote workers should consider how they can maintain social interactions, physical activity, and other wellness practices. Such activities can provide much-needed breaks from the confines of their homes, helping to prevent cabin fever and fostering healthy telecommuting habits and behaviors.
