Due to the pandemic, I’ve been remotely working for the past year and a half. Initially I had a difficult time adjusting to working at home, but I quickly became aware of the vast benefits that remote work offers. Employers across the country are pushing employees to return to the office in hopes of restoring “company culture” and boosting morale. The weak argument for “return to work” has met resistance among employees due to the fact that remote work offers a new level of work life balance and positive effects on mental health.
I often hear jokes that state employees love remote work so much because they can wear sweatpants all day. And although wearing whatever you want (bottom half at least, pending any video calls) is a comfortable bonus to working from home, the benefits to remote work run much deeper. Remote work lifts the immense pressure that “outsiders” face to conform to the office culture and environment. For people of color working in predominantly straight white office spaces, being at home creates a safer work environment. Remote work offers relief from racially targeted dress codes and in person microaggressions that BIPOC and the queer community face daily.
In a similar vein, women identifying employees especially benefit from remote work as the potential for sexual harassment is reduced. I’ve previously worked in a male dominated office and the constant inappropriate comments about my body and appearance along with blatant sexual harassment on a daily basis were deemed acceptable. Although working from home does not eliminate completely all forms of harassment, it does create a safer environment for all to work in.
Working from home also enables people who are not able bodied to work in a place that is more comfortable and suited to their needs. Employers do not always provide ideal accommodations to non able bodied employees; offices are designed with able bodied employees as the priority. The amenities and access to equipment, medication, and support that working from offers non able bodied workers (and able bodied employees too) outweighs any argument for the return to an office full time when all work can be done remotely.
The benefits of working from home are more substantial than a shorter commute. Work life balance (which employers often state they staunchly support and advocate for) is more attainable. Families have additional options for child and elder care. Time commuting can be spent in countless other ways.
When I hear jokes about why people only like working from home because they can take naps all day or wear comfortable clothing I want to convey that those assumptions couldn’t be farther from my and many others' reality. Remote work offers productivity and a safer work environment. I completely support working from home as its benefits have significantly impacted my life. I’m no longer going to let jokes and jabs about my support of remote work impact my mood. I can be a productive employee who feels safer and more comfortable while working from home. That is a win win to me!
Please note I write from the perspective of a straight, white, female identifying, able bodied employee. I've also worked in a corporate office the past three years and my experiences there have shaped my perspective. For a much deeper, articulate, and impactful breakdown of the topics I mention above please follow and support BIPOC, queer, and non able bodied educators, influencers, and activists. Their truth and perspective is invaluable. I’ve listed a few creators on tiktok that I admire and appreciate. Please check out and support them and their content.
rynnstar
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