EIZO, the pros and cons of smart working
- 13 July 2022
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Most people hope to work in smart mode in the future, switching between home and office. But the sources of concern are many, and some are health-related. In a survey, EIZO provides some tips on how to make smart working productive, fulfilling and healthy.
Since 2020, more than 5 million Italians have worked more or less permanently from home. In fact, the pandemic has intensified a trend toward smart working that was alive even before, but proceeded much more slowly and gradually. Today, more than two years later, EIZO decided to find out how people are actually working and what their opinion of smart work is, what they would like in the future, and what their main concerns are.
The first finding is positive: 56 % of respondents would be happy to work from home again in the future, a sign that the experience was fulfilling and that productivity is no longer tied to the workplace. The best solution would seem to be hybrid work, alternating between home working and traditional office work: 91 % of people think so and would still like the office to remain a point of reference.
Unfortunately, going deeper reveals less convincing data and a few too many concerns. In fact, 32 % of respondents are concerned about the balance between work and free time, and this depends - in addition to the organization of the day - on working and spending free time in the same environment.
Unfortunately, going deeper reveals less convincing data and a few too many concerns. In fact, 32 % of respondents are concerned about the balance between work and free time, and this depends - in addition to the organization of the day - on working and spending free time in the same environment.
The most concerning fact, however, is another: 60 % of people fear that illnesses related to working from home may arise. This may depend on several factors: first of all, it is necessary to have a space in the home dedicated to work, then to take care of one's psychological well-being and, above all, to have proper equipment. Employers need to act fast, as 40 % say they do not have tools that encourage working from home and 36% say they have not been supported by their company in this regard.
Specifically, according to EIZO's research, an optimal solution includes:
- An adjustable monitor placed at the right height (that of the eyes) to avoid eye fatigue. Even better if the monitor has features to safeguard vision;
- A chair with proper lumbar support;
- Wireless mouse and keyboard for proper posture;
- An orderly environment that promotes concentration and productivity;
- A work environment separate from the one in which one sleeps or eats, so as to create a division between the various experiences that mark the day;
- Cultivating hobbies and planning activities outside working hours;
- Regular breaks and exercise.
Smart working will not go away as the pandemic subsides and, if well designed and managed, will lead businesses toward modernizing the work paradigm, with more productivity and efficiency. But it is crucial that individual well-being is always preserved, even within dynamics yet to be discovered.
Click here to read the EIZO survey.
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