August 14, 2020
Telework culture in the Philippines was already growing even before the COVID-19 pandemic. In December 2018, the Telecommuting Act (Republic Act No. 11165), which legitimized telework and WFH arrangements, was signed to ease traffic congestion and adapt to the country’s rising gig economy. In 2019, the Philippines placed sixth in the world as the fastest-growing market for this flexi-work industry.
In spite of the growing telework culture, working from home in the time of pandemic has proven to be a different matter altogether. Both new and old teleworkers who have been accustomed to this work arrangement are faced with even bigger challenges.
Anyone who has ever tried working at home during the weekend will understand why working from home during lockdown is particularly difficult. The situation has essentially turned every day into a weekend: the whole family is together at home, the kids are causing a racket to keep boredom at bay, and media temptations like video games and movies are in full bloom.
While pre-pandemic telework meant having the house to yourself during the weekday, or having the option of moving to a coffee shop whenever you needed more focus, the pandemic has taken away much of our control towards a productive work session. We’re left surrounded by all the things that are meant to keep our minds away from work, causing an unhealthy overbalance of gratification.
This eventually leads to...
When we succumb to these distractions, we create a Frankenstein’s monster of a day when work and play are spliced together at chaotic, irregular intervals. While the freedom of having a loose schedule is a key perk in telework for some, being exposed to a gratification-filled environment for too long can hinder you from getting quality work done.
Binge-watching your favorite show or tending your virtual farm in the middle of important work hours has become tempting and convenient. However, these are distractions that can slow you down and leave you sending emails or finishing up reports during the actual times you should be resting. With an unstructured schedule, you can end up burnt-out and even more unproductive.
With business and communication now mainly conducted through the internet, we’re all left at the mercy of our broadband speed. This is still a challenge for many of us who are not as technologically prepared for the sudden shift to WFH.
Since we are only allowed to have limited face-to-face meetings, we have to rely on video conferences where glitches can ruin the effectiveness of our communication. Slow internet connection and malfunctioning laptops even adds to the many reasons we can be unproductive during the lockdown.
Quarantine deprives us of the work-life balance that’s characteristic of telework. We can’t make up for the many hours at home by meeting with friends or going on road trips. We all have to stay in one place, which can be maddening whether we’re surrounded by family or not.
The longing for normalcy debilitates our concentration and keeps us from getting any work done.
Clock In by Ayala Land Offices’ doors are open to serve you and help you address the challenges of working from home. This close-to-home office solution has several branches in the Metro where clients can get a feel of what their workplace should be.
For employers seeking flexible workspaces, Clock In’s private offices and coworking spaces can be the office solution you are looking for. With reliable WIFI connection, various safety measures, and a community of fellow game changers and freethinkers, Clock In is here to provide a secure and conducive work environment for you and for your employees.
We understand how crucial it is to be productive at a time like this. Reach out to us and we’ll arrange the right workspace for you and your team!
