Imagine getting up in the morning, having a cup coffee and starting your working day without leaving home. It sounds like a great dream, doesn’t it? This is the reality for many Yelp staffers. The move to remote work brought with it some major changes, both good and bad. Here’s a look at what it’s like to yelp work from home.
Let’s first talk about flexibility. You can set your own hours, which is one of the benefits of working at home. Want to pick up your children from school? No problem. Want to do a midday Yoga class? It’s your choice! This freedom allows workers to balance work and home life more effectively. Netflix can make it difficult to stay disciplined.
Communication is also taking on new forms. The days of water-cool chats and impromptu office visits are gone. All communication is now done via Slack messages or Zoom calls. Although this may seem impersonal initially, it actually creates new opportunities for creativity and collaboration. Virtual brainstorming can lead to innovative ideas, because the participants feel less pressure.
Let’s be honest: working remotely can feel isolating. Social interaction is a part of our nature as humans. You can easily feel disconnected without the daily face-toface interaction with your colleagues. Yelp offers virtual team building activities such as online cooking classes and game nights. These activities can help create a sense community when everyone is far apart.
Yelp has a commitment to employee wellbeing that is unique. They have implemented mental health programs, such as counseling and wellness programs to reduce stress among employees. This isn’t a mere lip service. It has a real impact on how employees manage the stress associated with remote work.
Let’s get techy! Working from home requires a stable internet connection. Yelp equips its employees, including laptops and ergonomic chairs, with everything they need to have a productive home office. It’s important to remember that technology isn’t infallible. You will have days where you’ll be frustrated by software or Wi-Fi issues.
Maintaining productivity is difficult without the structure and support of an office. The temptation to procrastinate is always present when you are alone! In order to combat this, many Yelpers use time-blocking apps or other productivity techniques that help keep them on task throughout the day.
Let’s also talk about career growth opportunities when working remotely for Yelp. Even if you’re physically absent, you won’t be forgotten when it comes time to promote or develop your skills. The remote workplace has opened up access to workshops and training programs that were previously geographically restricted.
Job satisfaction: What are the statistics? It’s no surprise that reducing commute times can boost happiness. It’s very rewarding to work in your pajamas or “business casual”, as it is called by some.
What are my two cents about all of this? Yelp offers many pros and some cons to working from home, but overall it’s a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle in our fast-paced society.
Remember: adaptability! The day will bring new challenges and opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
If you get lonely in those Zoom meetings, remember that there are thousands more Yelpers feeling the exact same thing!