As Canada reopened after the COVID-19 lockdowns, several businesses encouraged employees to return to work. Despite prohibitions being eased in Canada and around the world, teleworking as a regular working arrangement remains popular in a variety of industries.
Different polls conducted over the previous three years demonstrate that Canadian workers are increasingly interested in teleworking. According to the polls, many Canadians love teleworking, and some are considering changing occupations to keep their teleworking status.
Teleworking’s appeal seems evident enough. It increases flexibility, decreases the need for commuting, and can boost productivity, among other indirect benefits.
However, being confined to our homes for extended periods without access to many activities might cause teleworkers to experience cabin fever, a lack of enthusiasm, and anxiety.
Benefits and drawbacks of remote work: In a newly published study, we conducted detailed interviews with 14 teleworkers who relocated during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. We discovered that remote working arrangements allowed some people to relocate away from major cities and economic centers and buy homes in more affordable places. In some circumstances, teleworkers were able to achieve higher living standards than they would have had otherwise.
Another indirect effect of telework was the health benefits linked with increased productivity and reduced commute. Most of us have firsthand experience with weariness following long morning commutes and returning from work in the afternoon.
Fatigue can frequently leave us feeling exhausted. Not having to commute allows us to be more productive and accomplish more in our day.
Other indirect benefits include having more time to cook at home, eating healthier, increasing financial freedom, and improving general quality of life.
However, in addition to all of these benefits, there are some drawbacks that people should be aware of before committing to remote work. If you plan to relocate from the city to a more affordable neighborhood, our study indicates that you will most likely become car-dependent.
Moving away may also mean leaving friends and relatives behind. That means you’ll have to go longer to see them, which will increase your travel costs, or you won’t be able to see them as frequently as you would like.
That may be sufficient for some, but others may require a high level of social engagement when working from home. Not being able to visit family and friends as frequently can be lonely and harmful to our well-being.
Dealing with cabin fever: Teleworkers may enjoy fewer social connections or engage in less physical exercise over time. Being at home for a lengthy period might make some people feel like they have cabin fever. Symptoms of cabin fever include irritation, restlessness, and loneliness.
Habits and behaviors may alter over time after relocating away or working completely remotely. Behavioral changes can take many forms, including but not limited to changes in mode of transportation, thermostat settings, physical activity, and a variety of other characteristics, all of which can have a substantial impact on both teleworkers’ lives and the environment.
Some teleworkers are pleased with having more social interactions with their partners, children, and family. Others may require some degree of social engagement with their coworkers in the office. Some people may require active social contact with their friends, family, and coworkers.
Teleworking without social connection or physical activity can result in cabin fever in the long term. Most of us who worked during lockdowns felt the need to leave the house, even for a little walk. Small actions like taking brief walks, exercising, and engaging in social interactions might help alleviate cabin fever. Teleworkers should be continually mindful of the potential long-term effects of teleworking on their quality of life.
Working completely remotely, whether away from the city or downtown, can cause cabin fever if teleworkers establish undesirable habits and behaviors. To minimize long-term difficulties, remote workers should think about how to maintain social interactions, physical activity, and other wellness habits. Such activities can provide much-needed getaways from the constraints of their homes, preventing cabin fever and encouraging good teleworking habits and behaviors.
