While some people may have been able to access Work from Home (WFH) policies in the past, the COVID-19 pandemic has seen anyone who can technically work from home do so. But how do people feel about this? And will WFH practices become the norm for many in the future. To discuss this topical issue, I interviewed Dr Sarah Bankins,  a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Management at Macquarie Business School. She wrote about this issue recently for the university’s The Lighthouse publication, entitled ‘The coronavirus has changed work forever’.

Bankins contended that, while technologies such as Zoom, Google Hangouts and Skype have existed for some time and offer the workforce a way of communicating that is functional, they are far from perfect. Connectivity issues, slow internet speeds as well as technical glitches can impede businesses trying to communicate on a regular basis. 

Because it is too early to empirically conclude what impacts WFH has had on employees’ productivity and wellbeing, the Macquarie University academic said social media has helped to identify three distinct types of people who look at WFH is vastly different ways. For instance, some prefer working form the office and having a clear demarcation between work and home, as well as fewer or no disruptions.

On the other hand, Bankins has identified another group of individuals who are enjoying the flexibility WFH gives them, and the opportunity to be productive outside of the normal 9 to 5 working tradition. Finally, there is the third group of individuals who “want the best of both worlds” and are probably in the majority. 

Although many businesses will find it difficult, almost impossible, to move towards a WFH policy, Bankins warns that ongoing overheads such as rent and electricity may provoke more white-collar professions such as lawyers, accountants and office workers – to name just a few – to reconsider their operational models.

While some people may have been able to access Work from Home (WFH) policies in the past, the COVID-19 pandemic has seen anyone who can technically work from home do so. But how do people feel about this? And will WFH practices become the norm for many in the future. To discuss this topical issue, I interviewed Dr Sarah Bankins, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Management at Macquarie Business School. She wrote about this issue recently for the university’s The Lighthouse publication, entitled ‘The coronavirus has changed work forever’. Bankins contended that, while technologies such as Zoom, Google Hangouts and Skype have existed for some time and offer the workforce a way of communicating that is functional, they are far from perfect. Connectivity issues, slow internet speeds as well as technical glitches can impede businesses trying to communicate on a regular basis. Because it is too early to empirically conclude what impacts WFH has had on employees’ productivity and wellbeing, the Macquarie University academic said social media has helped to identify three distinct types of people who look at WFH is vastly different ways. For instance, some prefer working form the office and having a clear demarcation between work and home, as well as fewer or no disruptions. On the other hand, Bankins has identified another group of individuals who are enjoying the flexibility WFH gives them, and the opportunity to be productive outside of the normal 9 to 5 working tradition. Finally, there is the third group of individuals who “want the best of both worlds” and are probably in the majority. Although many businesses will find it difficult, almost impossible, to move towards a WFH policy, Bankins warns that ongoing overheads such as rent and electricity may provoke more white-collar professions such as lawyers, accountants and office workers – to name just a few – to reconsider their operational models.

Campus Review

While some people may have been able to access Wo…

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