Work From Home - A New Opportunity?
Bipul Jain and Satyajeet Patnayak*
Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
*Corresponding Author: Satyajeet Patnayak, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, Bhubaneswar, India.
Published: October 16, 2024
Abstract
During the intense pandemic, a new and initially unpopular concept emerged: working from home. As everyone was forced to stay inside, businesses couldn't come to a halt. So, a new way of working was introduced: setting up virtual offices at home, allowing employees to work and communicate with colleagues online. Although the traditional office environment was missing, many companies found that employees' productivity increased significantly.
Interestingly, after the pandemic, many companies introduced a hybrid working model. This approach allowed employees to choose where they wanted to work based on their mood and preferences. I acknowledge the boost in productivity, but it came with its own set of challenges. Creating a suitable work environment at home was difficult. Background noises, such as family disputes, often disrupted virtual meetings. Additionally, internet issues were widespread as everyone was using the internet at home. In India, technical advancements were limited, making it challenging to solve these problems. Despite these hurdles, employees managed to adapt, stabilizing the industry.
However, the hardware industry faced a decline. Unlike software, which can be managed virtually, hardware requires physical experimentation. During this time, the Internet of Things (IoT) became popular, serving as a virtual solution to physical problems.
Many of us encountered numerous issues, but looking back, that period was a golden opportunity in my opinion. It allowed us to focus on our work and personal growth simultaneously. This freedom from commuting and other concerns enabled us to multitask, contributing to our workplace while enhancing our knowledge and skills. This flexibility, combined with the determination to work and learn, drove the increase in productivity.
In conclusion, despite the challenges, the pandemic period became a golden time for personal and professional development. The ability to adapt, learn new things, and work efficiently from home not only stabilized the industry but also empowered individuals to contribute significantly. What truly mattered was the willingness to work, learn, and innovate.