This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
Working from Home: A Double-Edged Sword ¶
Friday, May 22, 2020
For many, working from home was once a dream come true. The idea of sipping coffee in a comfortable study, away from the chaos of the office, seemed like the ultimate luxury. However, as the days go by, the reality of working from home has set in, and the excitement has worn off.
Architect Brenda Nyawara, who works for Arcscene Architects, admits that it's not easy to stay productive at home. 'I'm often distracted by my kitten and the ever-enticing Internet. I also find myself spending too much time cooking and cleaning while I should be seated working,' she says.
Despite the challenges, Brenda has found a way to adapt to her new work-from-home routine. She wakes up at 6:30 am, settles down to work at 8:30 am, and focuses on her tasks without supervision. 'This is the real test,' she says.
However, not everyone is as comfortable working from home. Twidley Ithiga, a director and principal at Jawabu School, misses the interaction with her students. 'I love being around children, helping them grow in sound Christian doctrine as well as modeling good behavior,' she says.
Consultant Stanley Gichobi, who works for Global Development Incubator, has also had to adjust to a new way of working. He focuses on his most productive hours, removing distractions and focusing on his work. 'This helps you achieve optimal results,' he says.
As people continue to work from home, it's essential to be aware of their mental health. 'Watch out for anxieties that may manifest as procrastination, panic attacks, and share with someone you trust for support,' Stanley advises.
