The work-from-home (WFH) landscape has evolved a lot over the past few years. What was once considered an exciting new way to work has shifted as trends come and go. However, these days, some WFH practices are already showing signs of wear and tear. If you’re still holding on to these old trends, it might be time for a change. Here are seven work-from-home habits that are losing their charm and effectiveness.
Relying on In-Person Video Calls
A few years ago, video calls were the go-to way to connect remotely. Today, however, they can feel like a time suck, especially when they’re unnecessary. Instead of hopping on yet another Zoom meeting, many companies are opting for more efficient methods like instant messaging, collaborative platforms, or asynchronous video updates. You might find that cutting back on video calls gives you more time to focus on actual work.
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Over-Scheduling Zoom Meetings
Zoom fatigue is real. At first, it was exciting to have virtual face-to-face meetings, but now it’s starting to feel like overkill. Instead of booking long video calls, more teams are turning to collaborative tools like Slack, Trello, or email to get their points across. Shorter, more focused interactions can often be more effective than sitting through another hour-long meeting.
Using Personal Social Media for Work
At one point, social media became a way to connect with colleagues and promote company culture, but these days it’s losing its appeal. Many employees are finding that mixing personal social media with work can blur boundaries and even lower productivity. Instead, teams are focusing on more professional platforms or internal communication tools where work can remain separate from personal life.
Ignoring Flexible Hours
In the early days of working from home, many companies stuck to rigid schedules with employees working from 9 to 5. But now, more and more companies are adopting flexible hours, allowing employees to choose when they work as long as they meet their deadlines. It’s becoming increasingly common for people to work outside of the traditional hours to balance personal and professional life. Flexible work schedules are making the rigid “9 to 5” model feel outdated.
Over-Relying on Email
Email used to run the show, but now it’s often too slow to keep up. More teams are switching to tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to stay on track. Messages get answered fast, and projects move quicker without long email threads getting in the way.
Keeping Home Office “Work-Only” Zones
While having a dedicated workspace once seemed like a must for productivity, many people are now opting for more fluid work environments. The “work-only” zone is fading as people get creative with where they do their best work at home. Some prefer working from their living rooms, kitchens, or even outdoors when the weather permits. The idea is to break free from the confines of a single “office” space and be able to work comfortably wherever feels best.
Relying on Full-Time In-Office Employees
Remote work has proven that you don’t need to be in an office to be productive. While full-time office roles were once the norm, many companies are embracing hybrid or fully remote setups. Some businesses are even downsizing their office space altogether, realizing that having remote employees is just as effective, if not more, than a traditional office setup. It’s no longer necessary for everyone to commute every day to get things done.
The New Era of Remote Work
The way we work from home continues to evolve. As old trends fade, new practices emerge that are more flexible and productive. If you’re still clinging to outdated work-from-home habits, now’s the time to reevaluate. By adapting to these new changes, you can streamline your workday, increase productivity, and make remote work feel more comfortable and efficient than ever before.
10 Ways Lifestyle Inflation is Quietly Wrecking Your Budget
Lifestyle inflation, also known as lifestyle creep, happens when your spending rises alongside your income. It’s sneaky. You earn more, so you begin to spend more on things you once considered luxuries. Over time, this can leave you stuck in a financial rut, unable to save or invest for the future. While enjoying the fruits of your hard work is fine, unchecked lifestyle inflation can quietly undermine your financial goals. Here’s how it might be affecting your budget. 10 Ways Lifestyle Inflation Is Quietly Wrecking Your Budget