Lessons from the Pandemic - Lesson #3 Some Employees Performed Better Online
Whether learning online or working remotely instead of in the office, some people performed better online. This might not be your experience, and it certainly isn’t true for all students or workers, but the truth is – the switch to online was more productive for some. The question then is, why? The following are the benefits of learning and working online. Identifying and understanding the positives may be the answer to ending student and employee online burnout:
Flexibility and convenience. Having a flexible schedule is a plus for those who are self-disciplined enough to juggle it. Taking a break to walk the dog, socialize, or go on a run can re-energize learners. Not having the added stress of working around a dental appointment or picking the kids up from school can make the online experience more pleasurable and valuable. Pace. Working at your most productive pace, being neither pushed or held back by others, is also highly valued.
Gaining additional hours in the day that were previously spent commuting is another positive cited by those who preferred working or learning from home.Control over your learning environment. Swapping the cubicle for a decked-out home office, trading in the distractions of nearby colleagues for background music of your own choosing – these simple pleasures make all the difference for some. Work in pajamas? Sure. Learning outside in the fresh air, you bet. Being able to study in your own environment is one of the major benefits of online learning.
Confidence behind a screen. Managers and instructors report an increase in participation online. It’s easier for some students or employees to speak up when they aren’t intimidated by a group. The comfort of their chosen surrounding contributes to their confidence and security. Most importantly, participants seem more willing to ask questions and clarify instructions.
The pandemic pivot to remote learning and working has resulted in new skills for some. Working online requires self-discipline, self-motivation, teamwork, and communication. Honing and developing these skills (even when forced to do so) reaps rewards in future in terms of career advancement. Communication skills have sharpened, both verbal and written, due to the regular need to communicate. Working independently promotes self-motivation. And, according to studies on collaborative workspaces, online learning offers more opportunities to foster critical thinking skills.
As we pass the one-year milestone of the pandemic, burnout is found to be widely reported among some. It’s also important to recognize the gains, opportunities, and progress resulting from online technology at school and in the workplace. For more information on how to take advantages of the benefits of online learning (and how to do it right) let us show you how.