Many workplaces are adopting work-from-home (WFH) arrangements, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 34% of workers in the U.S. shifted to WFH since March 2020.Family relationships have critical impacts on wellbeing and mental health. Strong family relationships provide crucial social support that could mitigate psychological problems including anxiety and loneliness.
As a rapidly growing future work arrangement, WFH may have a widespread impact on family relationships and affect the wellbeing and mental health of many individuals.
Positive Impacts of WFH on family relationship:
1.Family Bonding: As the working member spends more time with the family. This may strengthen the parent-child relationship and Husband-Spouse relationship as well.
2. Taking Care of Elders: The increasing registration in the Old age homes in India could see a reversing trend.
3. Healthy Habits: Taking ample rest and eating healthy home food. Also WFH restricts bad habits such as smoking and drinking as in India such habits are not practiced at home and only outside.
4. Work Efficiency: The calm and homely environment may improve the performance of the employees.
Negative impacts of WFH on family relationship:
1. Some cases of Increasing domestic Violence: When working remotely, it becomes rather simpler for work-related problems to impact marital and family relationships.
2. Distractions: Such as watching TVs, doing private work, taking care of the child may impact quality of the work.
3. Mental Exhaustion: Deadlines are very rigid and also employees are attending more meetings to make sure one is accountable.
Conclusion
Strength Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills, Dividing responsibilities and having dedicated work space from home are the need of the hour because WFH “Work from Home” will be the arrangement for the future.
