Work From Home Pocket Manual

If you are in a job that doesn't require you to work at a specific location, you have the luxury of working from home. Working from home definitely has its perks, one of which is that you are able to set your own schedule. If you want to be in the same boat, you will need a guide that can show you how to do so. Here is something that might be able to help you out.

Meaning of WFH

WFH is a popular acronym commonly known as "working from home" or "work from home." It refers to a person doing their job at home rather than the workplace. The term gained prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The enforced shift to remote working led to its appeal.

WFH Evolution

Before the Coronavirus pandemic hit the world, only a few companies allowed their employees to work from home. According to a report, before the pandemic, only 16% of the global companies were fully remote, and 40% were hybrid, i.e., they provided the flexibility of working in-office or at home.

Today, 70% of the workforce in the US is working from home. However, many businesses in the essential services sector were unable to switch to the WFH model. It made them push their technological boundaries and adapt to the changing needs.

It has brought a drastic swift in the overall company culture and made the work more agile. Trust and communication have become vital components for driving efficiency in remote workers. 

WFH setup

A work-from-home (WFH) setup is a dedicated work area in your home. Some of the essentials of a work-from-home setup are an ergonomic chair, desk, internet connectivity, and a good system.

Here are some of the things that employees considered essential when asked for the UK State of Remote Work 2020 report –

1. 50% of employees believe their companies should contribute to Wi-Fi and phone bills, and 48% to electricity bills when working from home.
2. 50% believe their company should provide office furniture (including desks and ergonomic chairs).
3. 74% believe their company should pay for or provide office technology equipment (including laptops, printers, and extra screens) when they work from home.

Working in a remote setup, as opposed to the typical office setup, poses several challenges in terms of productivity and the health of the workers. Hence, to mitigate such issues, employees must have access to the proper work-from-home setup.

WFH Buddy

A WFH buddy is someone who acts as a friend and guides you at your workplace. A workplace buddy is different from a mentor or a boss. It is usually your peer who helps you stay in the loop through the exchange of information or ideas.

It is challenging to stay motivated while working from home. The benefits of having a work buddy are that they often check in on you and help you get a sense of what's going on in the company. They also assist you in achieving your goals.

Especially when joining a new workplace, it isn't easy to virtually socialize with your new colleagues. It may lead to workplace loneliness and disengagement. A buddy system helps you gel with your coworkers, share your thoughts and stay focused while at work.

Similar terms of WFH

1. Remote Work

Remote work is often used in place of WFH. While WFH can be termed as remote work, all remote work cannot be WFH. A person can choose their place of work anywhere at remote locations other than the typical office. It may not necessarily be their home.

2. OOO (Out of office)

OOO is also a commonly used term when an employee is working remotely. It means the person is not present in the office but is working off-site.

3. Telecommuting

Telecommuting is working at a place that saves commuting time. It can be your home, a coffee shop, or a shared workspace. It is usually a place with the technology to help you do your job. It is also used interchangeably with remote working. Telecommuting might need the employee to come to the office periodically or when the need arises.

4.  Virtual work

 Virtual work is a job done digitally. The main components of virtual work are access to a computer and the internet.