Is Remote Work Here to Stay?
Click here to learn more about remote work…
LAUREN WILLIAMS | JULY 23, 2021
Since COVID-19 struck in March of 2020, we’ve all become accustomed to living in an online world and WFH (working from home). Many companies are allowing remote work to continue, despite states reopening. Some love this idea while others can’t wait to get back into the office. Will it become our new way of life? Let’s talk about the pros and cons.
First, let’s discuss some of the advantages of WFH. For companies, they can increase their talent pool substantially, recruiting potential employees from anywhere. They can also save on commercial real estate expenses due to less workers in the office. For employees, they can experience increased health and fitness in a variety of ways. Without having to commute to work, time and stress are reduced. Due to this, they have more time for other priorities such as friends, family, side hustles, and creative projects (all known to improve overall well-being).
Of course, we have to look at the other side of the coin as well. One disadvantage is ever-lasting tech issues that everyone has had to deal with at some point. Another is the need for self-discipline. While self-discipline is a skill that can be improved with time, a healthy work-life balance is difficult to manage without it. Lastly, nothing can replace the quality time of in-person gatherings. Since working remotely oftentimes means the inability to spend time outside of work with clients and/or co-workers, there is a lack of social interaction and networking opportunities.
It’s clear that WFH comes with its advantages and disadvantages for employees and companies alike. “While in-person office work will probably always be a staple, it's worth noting that by 2025, most workers will work at least five days a month from home and that 84 percent of current remote workers prefer working from home” (Leyes). Let us know what you think in the comments below. Should companies allow employees to WFH if preferred?
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Survival Guide to Spring Semester in Your Childhood Home
& just like that, we’re back into the Spring 2021 Semester at Zoom Uni- I mean, San Diego State University. Here are our tips & tricks on how to make this pandemic-stricken semester a good one…
AUSLEEN ACOSTA | JAN. 22, 2021
The way that I’m starting my last semester at SDSU has been far from what I would have ever imagined. I’ve always looked forward to my last semester here at State - meticulously planning every semester of my college career in order to have an easy load during my last semester, living in an apartment filled with my best friends, studying abroad in a faraway country, being newly 21 years old... but here I am, having my “grand finale” in my childhood bedroom.
On behalf of every college student in America, no one was prepared for the mental and emotional toll that COVID-19 gave us. At the peak of the global pandemic, we were expected to pack our things, adjust to online learning, and perform at our highest like nothing ever happened. Though everyone’s “living at home” experience has been different, it always leads back to one question... how do we succeed in college when we are living at home?
TIP #1: KNOW YOUR BOUNDARIES WITH YOUR FAMILY
One major thing that I had to adjust to during quarantine was having a loud house and disruptive family members. It seemed that every time I had class or had an assignment due, all of a sudden, my house turned into a zoo and every family member needed my help! Although it’s hard to speak up against your family, it’s so important to remember that you are an adult that has boundaries and deserves respect. One of the main things that helped me with online school was setting boundaries with my family and having everyone understand my workload. I had my school schedule taped onto my refrigerator and “do not disturb” signs on my door to maintain separation between work life and family life.
TIP #2: GET OUT OF BED
How do we separate work from home when we are working from home? A simple answer but it’s something that none of us want to do; get out of bed! Working from your bed has proven a decrease in sleep quality, work productivity, and energy levels. According to Health Line, “When we use our bed for other activities, like working, reading, watching TV, etc., we create an association with wakefulness. We want the bed to be a cue for sleep, and working in bed weakens this association.” Considering the pandemic, civil unrest, and ongoing chaos, who could blame us for wanting to work from our bed! I am definitely a victim to it, along with the majority of college students, but doing your work on a desk has definitely been a game-changer in staying productive.
TIP #3: GET INVOLVED WITH EXTRACURRICULARS
One reason why I loved SDSU so much was because of the social life and networking opportunities. Although the way we connect with other students has been different during the pandemic, being involved with other students through a computer screen is better than having no interaction at all. Having a community that you are a part of is so important ESPECIALLY when we are dealing with times that are difficult for all college students. When I joined American Marketing Association this past semester, it gave me stability, people that I could talk to, and a distraction from my crazy home life!
TIP #4: BE GRATEFUL
As the world may seem like it is crumbling beneath us, it’s so important to remain grateful for the little things! We are lucky to have a roof over our heads, our health amidst a global pandemic, and people that support us. Living at home could feel like a total disaster at times, but there are so many benefits that come with it! Take advantage of the fact that you’re saving money from rent, that you have time to spend with your family, and going to Zoom University in your pajamas!
Online school and living at home have definitely been a challenge, but finding the little joys in hard situations makes these unprecedented times easier. We wish you the best in surviving the spring semester!
REFERENCES:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323551004578116922977737046