Challenges faced while working from home for women

By changing behaviors towards working from home (WFH), this pandemic may have forever changed the way we work in our day to day life. According to a new research study conducted fifty percent of those who were employed before the Covid-19 happened are now working from home. As company executives and senior leaderships see for themselves that excellent work can be obtained, and productivity can be achieved, even in jobs that no one dreamt of could be done remotely or virtually, a growing number of firms, including FANG companies have announced that they will allow employees to work virtually on a permanent basis.

It’s fascinating to think that such flexible work options will be a big game-changer for women. Many are even daring to predict that by removing the stigma attached to work from home, and by cutting traveling time and the sneaking “face time” norms that can add hours to the daily work life, women can maintain their full-time jobs with their employers and avoid losing friction in their careers during their caregiving times. There is some evidence on which to base this dream of animproved future — researches have shown that flexibility allows women to maintain their working hours after the child is born and to stay in relatively stressful yet well-paying jobs through times of high family demand and responsibilities.

The nationwide lockdown in India has been very tough, financially, and emotionally, for people, individuals, and families across the whole nation. These challenging times have called upon the need for quick adaptation and, in line with such, a usual shift to still get work done irrespective of whatever the situations are.But before we declare the victory, we need to consider a lot of points that are discussed below.

The idea of working from home is new for most of the professionals working in the corporate world while very few were allowed to do WFH occasionally. You might have remembered how you worked from home in normal circumstances, managing the kids along with household work.

Many of the familiar support structures that we took for granted fell away, when this lockdown began, requiring someone to assume responsibility of day to day activities. It is very much known that in times of crisis and uncertainty, it is more frequently the women who bear the impact, taking on household and caretaker roles. Although not right for all people, it has usually been the task of women to keep the house neat and clean, do laundry, nurture children and cook dinner.

This pandemic and unprecedented time have forced many people to work from home and, as much as we love our family and dear ones, it’s difficult getting things done immediately or having your kid barge in during official video call meetings. Moreover, the ongoing cycle of activities of organizing home-schooling schedules for the kid, family time, household work, and finishing tight work deadlines can make anyone emotionally tired.

There is also a concern about sexual harassment in the virtual workplace On a survey conducted by the researchers 29% of the women don’t see working from home as a safer option as compared to being in the office physically. The risks and problems that employees are exposed to at the office, continue even while working virtually. There have been Incidents of sexual harassment that have cropped up in the remote workplace. Sharing of lewd voice and text messages, sharing inappropriate personal photos, wearing inappropriate clothes during personal video calls are some of the examples that could amount to virtual harassment.

Companies need to conduct regular sessions and meetings to make employees understand what situations could now arise or become an issue of virtual harassment. Video calls are importantand it gives the feeling of working together in the remote environment. But employees should be asked to follow a certain set of rules and guidelines so that they are aware of their responsibilities of how to treat women in the virtual workplace.

For boss ladies who are already familiar with working from home for the companies, they probably have their designated office space arranged and fully equipped. But what does it mean for the people who are suddenly required to work from home and can’t simply print out office documents? What about those who don’t have feasible internet access and speed at home and can’t download school exercises for their kids or send work emails to the colleagues? Moreover, what about those women who are not able to work because of the lockdown limitations.

So just how do we survive these moments? The right place to begin is setting up a routine and sticking to a proper time schedule. Try organizing things some flexibility with your seniors (even if that’s you) regarding times of your job so that you can inculcate other relevant activities into your schedule. This could include doing some household work, getting the kids set up with school homework, and fitting in a quick exercise routine. Don’t feel afraid to say if you need help, speak up and get your partner involved or ask for help from your family members. It’s natural to take responsibility for women, but one should remember to get involved in other activities to keep their mood fresh.

Although remote working has become the new ‘normal’ amid the coronavirus scenario. While some people have started heading back to their offices, there are many who are still working remotely. And this new work methodology is posing fresh challenges to female society.