There has been a tectonic shift in the landscape of work within the last few years, as remote work from home (WFH) which was once rare, has now assumed the status of a common practice. This has led to many opportunities for women who now shine professionally and can rejoin their careers with personal lives. The flexibility of WFH careers has revolutionized many things, especially for women who juggle several roles simultaneously
Empowerment through Flexibility
Flexibility is the most common factor that enables this empowerment to take place with the WFH model. Women have found the freedom of non-traditional office hours that can be managed around their commitments. This autonomy allows them to worry about house chores, baby care, or elderly family members, and still accomplish their professional ambitions. Equalization in the workplace arises when women and men can work shifts that are by their productivity peak and personal needs.
Challenges and solutions
By contrast, the WFH is not devoid of its challenges. Blurring of the work-home boundaries can lead to long working hours and the difficulty of stepping out of the work mode. This can be overcome by establishing limits and communicating the schedules with the families and colleagues. Creating a workspace can lead to more effective separation of work and home times, even in a tiny space available at home.
Technology as an enabler
Technology is an essential facilitator in the shift. The high-speed internet, cloud-based services, and collaborative tools have provided women an opportunity to work from anywhere and still stay connected with their team and boost their productivity. Companies are also realizing that facilities like technical support and devices are essential for employees to be able to work from home effectively.
Professional development and networking
Professional development should not be an option when working from home. Women can participate in online courses, webinars or virtual conferences to improve their skills or to keep their fields up-to-date. Digital space also facilitates networking opportunities through social media and professional platforms which enables us to connect and collaborate with peers, mentors and industry leaders.
The role of employers
Employers are an essential factor in turning WFH into a career path for women. Through modifiable work plans, parental leaves and benefits that accommodate the requirements of working mothers; companies can create an inclusive workplace culture that encourages career growth for women also. The opportunity to participate in virtual team-building activities and increase awareness of the unique challenges women face can bring cooperation to everyone.
Navigating the Pitfalls of Remote Work Productivity
Managing remote work and ensuring productivity comes with its set of challenges as well. Challenges are aggravated by individuals misrepresenting their activity by claiming to be working while engaging in other activities outside their designated workspace. Keeping track of employees’ whereabouts becomes particularly difficult, as some may exploit the flexibility of remote work to their advantage, especially during critical periods like the end of the financial year, when they may accumulate bulk leaves despite supposedly working from home.
The lack of constant oversight makes it difficult to ascertain whether individuals are genuinely fulfilling their work obligations, especially when they are travelling or not within their designated work environment.
Balancing the Pros and Cons of WFH
While work-from-home (WFH) careers offer women opportunities for empowerment and a more satisfying work-life balance, they also present challenges that must be acknowledged. The flexibility of remote work schedules can be a double-edged sword, providing freedom but also opening the door for potential misuse or lack of accountability. Nonetheless, when supported by appropriate systems and policies, WFH can enable women to thrive in an evolving workplace, taking on new roles and overcoming geographical barriers to access global opportunities. Savings in time and commuting expenses can further enhance women’s quality of life, allowing them to invest more in personal development and family. WFH model isn’t without its drawbacks, including the need for robust support mechanisms to ensure women can maximize its benefits while mitigating its challenges.
Shared by: Hemalatha Raghuvanshi,
CHRO and Co-Founder, Sekel Tech
