Working from home during the pandemic has its own advantages and disadvantages. While there are many struggles like constant distractions and connectivity issues, yet many people can’t help but dread the re-opening of offices.
A Twitter user drew light on how remote work has helped people like her who are struggling with mental health, saying that the flexibility of WFH allows her to do things on her own terms and replaced the burden of going to the office.
something i've been thinking about is the flexibility and dignity remote work allows people with mental illness
— heather schmelzlen (@anchorlines) July 14, 2021
while i've been fortunate to have understanding and supportive colleagues, i don't always want to explain why i can't come into the office. remote work removes some of that burden, and trusts employees to determine their own bandwidth in a more holistic sense
— heather schmelzlen (@anchorlines) July 14, 2021
Many people expressed a similar sentiment and explained how working from home has benefitted them:
same I constantly have to quit jobs because I get too overwhelmed, I’m autistic, have adhd and anxiety. But my only experience is retail and food service (the most taxing on my mental health) it’s impossible to get my foot in the door
— 👽 Silven🚩🏳️🌈 (@silvengremlin) July 15, 2021
Not having to put on a false happy face when my bipolar is down cycling into depression is really helpful. It’s so exhausting. The amount of energy I save just…not pretending is so helpful.
— Xander (@XJarowey) July 15, 2021
100% feel this. It took up a lot of my energy making excuses to coworkers to not come into the office or to justify a ‘sick’ day. It was especially hard when the down cycle into depression lasted for a few days.
— maddie (@ManwallLinemade) July 15, 2021
I couldn’t agree more. After four-plus years of freelancing, I’ve fully realized the open-plan office environment I previously worked in was unsustainable for introverts. It was also disastrous for my anxiety because I don’t feel comfortable being on display.
— Lindsay (GOP are fascists) Chambers (@leftielindsay) July 15, 2021
So much of my energy that would otherwise be spent being "okay" in the office can go towards…my actual duties as an employee? What a concept, it's great.
— melwrites (@melwrites5) July 14, 2021
It is literally life changing for some of us.
Also my friend who is in a wheelchair saying that she has spent the last year not having to make coworkers feel comfortable around her – no one knows she is disabled at her job now. (new team)…she is not thrilled about going back.— Cautiously Pessimistic (@PantherAlyxx) July 15, 2021
This is my situation with cerebral palsy and remote work. I used to have tons of awkward conversations with coworkers about “why do you hold (thing) that way” or “why are you sitting like that” and it turns out that none of that matters when I’m a shoulders-up face on Zoom.
— Jessica the Unliving (@speakthename) July 15, 2021
Not having to be social with random fuckers who walk by your desk and feel slighted if you don’t smile at them, is very good for my mental health.
— Vaxxed AF (@thornsilver2) July 15, 2021
The never ending parade of people stopping into my office “just to say hi” because I’m a socially friendly person 🙃
— big meech (@lesmeech) July 15, 2021
Working from home felt like it have back so much of my life. I could get so much more done without losing time every day to anxiety attacks. The difference between a day when I can’t go to the office vs can’t work is vast. I’d end the work day with enough energy to live.
— J. Lily Corbie 🦇 (@JLilyCorbie) July 15, 2021
Me and my sensory issues had a DAY at the office today. I don’t know how long I can do this.
WFH time was the most successful I’ve been able to feel since I was in my 20s.
— Sarah B (@thesarahbot) July 14, 2021
I don’t have mental illness, but being able to use my own bathroom, wear comfy clothes, eat 100% stuff I trust, and not get ‘peopled out’ or put on the spot physically is all awesome.
— Marc Doughty (@agentmangeek) July 15, 2021
But it doesn’t work for everyone, and a balance is key. Do you think employees should be allowed to choose whether they wish to WFH or WFO?
Don’t disagree, but speaking for myself, my mental health has improved since I have been able to go into my office and meet with people face to face. Being forced to work from home was isolating and energy draining for me in many respects
— Brian Reiss (@BrianReiss7) July 15, 2021
Hopefully there can be some sort of balance that employers can offer for their employees. I know for me sometimes just being around people and having that distraction helps my mental health but sometimes I just need to be alone and not explain to anyone my mental state.
— cat foochie 🛼 (@2ouk_e) July 15, 2021
Do you prefer remote work? Tell us in the comments section.
Cover Image Source- left