The trend of working from home has been steadily increasing over the past decade, with more and more workers opting to telecommute either full-time or part-time. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of people who worked from home at least some of the time nearly doubled from 2005 to 2017, from 4.2 percent to 8.4 percent. This surge in remote work has been attributed to a variety of factors, including improved technology that makes collaboration and communication easier, as well as the need for employers to reduce overhead costs and provide employees with greater flexibility. As a result, many businesses have embraced remote work as a way to maintain productivity and cut costs.

Based on a study made by Greate Place to Work, Productivity has increased over time which they associate with two main factors:

• People are willing to give extra to get the job done.
• People quickly adapt to changes needed for their company’s success.

They measured work-from-home employees’ productivity from March to Aug of 2020 and make a comparison with the same period in 2019. Here is the graphical representation:

Working from home increasement 2022 to the future. The rise of remote work in recent years has been astronomical, and this trend is only likely to continue as we move into 2022 and beyond. With the improvements in technology, such as faster internet speeds and more powerful computers, working remotely has become increasingly viable, making it easier than ever for people to stay productive while at home. Companies recognize the benefits of remote work, and many are looking to adopt a hybrid model of remote and office-based work going forward. This shift will not only bring more flexibility to employees but also provide significant cost savings to employers. Moreover, the advantages of working from home are endless – from a better work/life balance to increased comfort and productivity levels – which makes it a great option for both employers and employees in the future.

Okay, now we have understood very well how this type of work has changed the world and impacted our world positively. But is it something everyone can do?

When working from home, it is essential to have a level of self-discipline and focus to be successful. Having the capability to manage one's own time and prioritize tasks is critical, as well as having strong communication skills both written and verbal, active listening skills, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving capabilities. Additionally, one of the musts is to be able to work independently, think critically and analytically, multitask effectively and have a solid understanding of technology.

Job applicants applying for a remote role should possess seven skills:

Remote jobs may appear daunting, but with the right skill set, job seekers have the potential to thrive in this unique working environment. To successfully land a remote job, job seekers must possess seven essential skills:

1. The capacity to work independently is a skill that is increasingly important in today's workforce. It involves the ability to think critically and take initiative with tasks without relying on the guidance of a manager or supervisor. Working independently often requires strong problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and discipline to stay focused and organized despite distractions.

2. Proficiency in time management. Proficiency in time management is key as remote workers must find ways to manage their workload and break up tasks into manageable chunks.

3. The ability to communicate effectively. Communication is especially important in remote work settings because pitches, inquiries, and interactions require quick responses and clarity.

4. The ability to remain organized. Remote workers need to be organized to stay on top of their workflow and properly manage projects.

5. The capacity for self-motivation. Self-motivation also plays a significant role in remote positions as it will be up to the job seeker to stay on track and complete tasks on time.

6. The capability to think critically and creatively. Critical and creative thinking are also essential; it is necessary to make decisions quickly, take the initiative, and come up with creative solutions to complex problems.

7. The aptitude for problem-solving. Problem-solving should be a priority as technical issues can arise while working remotely.

In order to have a successful remote workspace, it is important to have the technical requirements in place. This will involve having a reliable internet connection, an adequate computer set up to support the tasks that need to be done, and appropriate software or applications installed.

Make sure that all of the necessary equipment is up and running beforehand. Additionally, it’s important to have a good understanding of the tools being used to help manage the remote workspace. A good understanding of virtual private networks (VPNs) and secure file sharing, for example, are important for keeping information secure.

Lastly, make sure that all security protocols are in place to protect the data stored within the remote workspace. These measures can include firewalls, password protection, two-factor authentication, and encryption of data. With the proper technical requirements and security protections in place, there should be minimal issues with setting up a successful remote workspace.

Working from home can present many challenges, especially when it comes to being productive and maintaining focus.

To maximize efficiencies, it is essential to create a workspace that is comfortable and free from distractions. This means finding a room or area in your home that you can dedicate solely to work, making sure the space has natural light, comfortable furniture, and minimal noise or interruptions.

Take the time to decorate the space and make it your own, as this will help you feel more relaxed and motivated while working. Keep the space organized, tidy and clutter-free, and make sure you have enough storage to keep all of your materials in one place.

Finally, set up any technology you may need, such as a computer and printer, and designate a spot for charging any devices. By creating a dedicated workspace with these elements in mind, you will be able to work more effectively and efficiently and stay on task.

But challenges can be both practical and psychological. For those unaccustomed to the work-from-home lifestyle, there may be difficulty adjusting to the sudden lack of face-to-face interaction with colleagues or supervisors.

Establishing routines and staying productive can be difficult, as there are no external sources of motivation and accountability. Additionally, it can be hard to disconnect from work and take regular breaks, leading to increased stress and fatigue.

It is important to be mindful of the unique challenges of working from home and create strategies to manage them. This could include setting specific working hours, maintaining regular communication with colleagues, and taking regular breaks. With a little planning and consideration, it is possible to successfully adjust to the work-from-home lifestyle.