It’s strange the amount of thought that's been put into and projected out across social media and online pubs about working from home as of late. Something, until recently, most people never fathomed, many barely considered, and even fewer pursued, is constantly being re-examined and over analyzed. But in the throws of companies trying to encourage employees to return to work, it makes sense that 'work from home' is such a hot topic. Much like any new concept that effects so many often is.

Being a part of the advertising community for many years, I can only speak to my understanding of that industry. But I imagine it’s like most businesses when it comes to “work life balance.” What a horrible term, by the way. The U.S. is the workaholic country of the world. Mainly because we grew up under the impression that our identity is so strongly associated with we do for a living. But we'll save that topic for another time. Thing is, unless you’re a healthcare or factory worker, nine times out of ten you can do your job successfully from a remote location. So, if you work in a field that doesn't absolutely require you to be on premises, and you're self-motivated and punctual, why shouldn’t you work from anywhere?

Of course, there are two sides to every story, but from where I’m sitting, those who want their employees to return to the office are missing the bigger picture. There are far too many proven cases spanning the past few years where companies have remained successful employing remote workers. In fact, there are many studies that prove employees are happier, healthier and more productive when they work from home...

 

Business News Daily on How Working From Home Increases Productivity

 

ConnectSolutions Survey Shows Working Remotely Benefits Employers and Employees

Few of us want to fall into the old ways of the office lifestyle. And the truth is, no matter your career path, most people would give it up for a few million dollars and the promise to do whatever they wanted for the remainder of their days. People aren't treating their profession as their lifeblood so much anymore, and that's okay. It doesn't take 6 PHDs to figure this out either. Not to say that people can't and don't enjoy their jobs. Especially when it’s one that's challenging and rewarding. But the fact is, it’s about the paycheck. The paycheck and co-workers who make the workplace enjoyable. Even so, I’m willing to bet that most people choose being with family over even these wonderful folks. And that’s what 'work from home' means. More family time. More personal time. More life and less having to interrupt it due to work related practices.

Working from home makes way to being a part of those important moments you would have otherwise missed. From your son’s first steps to your daughter’s first softball game. It means more enjoying loved ones and being a part of their lives... More memories shared and cherished. I believe those organizations that don’t offer the option to come into the office or work from home—or at the very least a hybrid of the two—when it’s a role that can be properly performed either way, put less faith in their employees. And that’s a red flag in this humble observers book.

We are all adults. And with empathy and mental wellness being at the forefront of company policy nowadays, it makes a whole lot of sense to trust the adults working for you. If you don’t, why are they there in the first place? Instead, put yourself in their shoes and try to understand their life struggles. Then help them in the best ways you can. The simplest ways. Such as allowing them the freedom to choose whether they work from home or the office. And be a part of making that work from home environment as productive and inclusive as possible.

The past few years have been difficult, but they’ve opened our eyes as individuals and as a society. The pandemic made us face never before encountered obstacles and helped us recognize our strengths. It showed us that not only can we handle things, but that we can handle them better on our own terms.

On a different note, it's high time we put an end to the term “work life balance,” and just start calling it life balance. I know, I couldn't leave it alone.