The KiM survey shows that about 44 percent of Dutch people have started working from home due to the crisis, or that they do now more often than before. The experiences with working from home are mostly positive. “The best way to find out if you dare to do something is to just try it,” says professor Aukje Nauta (Leiden University). “But I think the cold-water fear of working from home is completely gone.”
This is also what professor at HAN Annet de Lange says, who does research to working from home in corona time. “In several studies it was expected that by 2030 telework, working from home through technology, would have its maximum impact. I expect this has accelerated due to this pandemic. “
Final push
The corona crisis has forced many companies to take a step towards working from home, says Wendy van Ierschot, chairman of the Dutch branch of the international Entrepreneurs Organization. “Many employees were hesitant about that. We all know funny videos about remote meetings with the camera and things that go wrong, but those are all things that we solve now.”
When the offices open again, it is “100 percent clear” according to Van Ierschot that we really will not all be stuck in traffic at 08:30. “It is easier for you as a company to say: we do an opening meeting from home and then everyone comes to the office later. In addition, you will not be able to get on the floor anyway, in order to keep 1.5 meters away. seems to be a permanent change. “
Risks
Working from home has its advantages, according to several studies. For example, for the productivity of the employee and the work / private balance. But there are also risks. “As soon as people start working from home for 2.5 days or more, they lose contact with colleagues,” says Nauta. “So a fixed day in the week when everyone comes together is necessary, so that you keep those connections.”
Annet de Lange also sees those shy sides. “It is not just fantastic. If you do not have face-to-face contact for a long time, it can also lead to depression. Certainly if you are required to work from home, this can have negative consequences for well-being.”
How do you work well at home? A few tips:
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