Hybrid work models have become increasingly common in the post-pandemic workplace, with many companies offering their employees the flexibility to work from home. As remote work becomes more prevalent, it’s important to consider which days of the week are the best to work from home. The optimal work week structure can vary greatly depending on an individual’s circumstances, including their workload, personal life, and energy levels. In this article, we will explore the most popular days employees have reported as their ideal WFH days, as well as the factors to consider when determining the best days to work from home.
The Best Days to Work From Home
When it comes to working from home, choosing the best day of the week is crucial to maintaining productivity and achieving work-life balance. But which days are the most popular for remote work?
According to various surveys, midweek days are the most popular days for working from home. A survey conducted by BuildRemote.co found that the most popular day to work from home was Monday with 30% of respondents choosing this day. Wednesday was the second most popular day with 29% of respondents choosing it, followed by Friday at 25%, Tuesday at 7%, and Thursday at 5%. Saturday and Sunday were tied as the least popular days to work from home, with only 2% of respondents choosing each.
Most Popular Days to Work From Home, according to BuildRemote.co:
- Monday, 30%
- Wednesday, 29%
- Friday, 25%
- Tuesday, 7%
- Thursday, 5%
- Saturday, 2%
- Sunday 2%
Meanwhile, Fortune reports that a survey conducted by WFH Research found that “Friday ranks as the most popular day to work from home … followed closely by Thursday, while Wednesday is the most common day to be on site.” Two separate surveys by Kastle Systems Inc. and Relogix both found Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to be the most popular days to be in the office — making Monday and Friday the preferred days to work from home.
These survey results suggest that Monday, the start of the week, and Friday, the end of the week, are the two workdays generally preferred by employees for working from home. The middle of the week can often be the busiest time, with meetings and deadlines that require collaboration, making it an ideal time to work from the office with one’s peers.
Picking the Best WFH Days for Your Schedule and Workload
For full-time and part-time remote workers alike, selecting the best days to work from home can help optimize productivity and work-life balance. The decision to work from home requires consideration of your company’s policy, workload, productivity habits, and communication needs. In this section, we’ll explore strategies for picking the best WFH days that suit your schedule and workload, enabling you to stay focused and engaged while working remotely.
Consider Your Company’s Policy
Before deciding on the best days to work from home, it’s important to consider your company’s policy on hybrid work. Some companies may have specific guidelines on which days are available for remote work or may require hybrid workers to be present in the office on certain days. Taking company policies into account can help you structure your work schedule and ensure that you are meeting your employer’s expectations while also taking advantage of the flexibility that hybrid work offers.
Review Your Workload
You should also consider your workload and workflow when deciding which days you’ll work from home. Some tasks may require in-person collaboration with colleagues or access to specialized equipment that is only available in the office. By reviewing your workflow and any upcoming projects, you can determine which days are better suited for working remotely and which days may require you to be in the office. This can help you balance productivity with collaboration and ensure that you are meeting your work obligations.
Analyze Your Productivity Levels
When deciding on the best days to work from home, it’s important to analyze your productivity habits. Take note of what makes for a productive day at work, whether it’s a quiet environment, fewer distractions, or a particular routine. If you tend to be more productive on certain days of the week, it may be beneficial to schedule your work from home days accordingly. By understanding your personal work habits, you can ensure that you are making the most of your remote work days and having a productive work experience.
Consider Time Zones and Meetings
Finally, it’s important to consider your work schedule and any time zone differences. If you work with colleagues or clients in different time zones, it’s important to be mindful of scheduling conflicts and ensure that your remote work days don’t interfere with important meetings or calls. By taking into account any potential time zone challenges and planning your work schedule accordingly, you can maximize your productivity and ensure that you are staying on top of your work obligations while working remotely.
Optimizing Your Remote Workdays
Now that many of us have adapted to working remotely, it’s important to optimize our workdays to maintain productivity and well-being. By considering factors such as workload, communication, and self-care, we can create a routine that suits our work style and helps us stay focused while balancing work and personal life. In this section, we will explore strategies for optimizing your remote workdays and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Develop a Schedule That Works For You
The best way to optimize your WFH workdays involves developing a schedule that works for you. This may involve setting specific work hours, taking regular breaks, or dividing your day into dedicated work blocks. By developing a schedule that suits your work style and preferences, you can improve your focus, stay organized, and avoid burnout. Experiment with different routines and strategies until you find a schedule that helps you maximize your productivity while also allowing for work-life balance.
Create Boundaries Between Work and Personal Life
When working from home, it’s easy to let the lines blur between work time and personal time… but don’t let that happen. It’s important to create boundaries between your work and personal life.
This may involve setting up a designated workspace in your home office, establishing clear work hours, and minimizing distractions. By separating your work and personal life and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, you can avoid burnout and maintain your overall well-being. Develop strategies to help you transition between work and personal time, such as going for a walk or closing your home office door at the end of the day.
Maintain Communication with Coworkers and Managers
When working remotely, one of the most important aspects of your day is to maintain open lines of communication with your coworkers, managers, and other onsite team members. This may involve scheduling regular check-ins via phone, email, or video conferencing platforms like Zoom. These digital social interactions can also be important for maintaining team cohesion and preventing isolation. Find ways to stay connected with colleagues, such as virtual team-building activities or casual check-ins. By prioritizing communication and social interactions, you can improve collaboration and stay connected with your team while working remotely.
Make Room for Flexibility and Adaptability
As with any work day, you should always expect the unexpected … and when you’re working from home, different types of distractions and urgent matters can pop up at any moment. For that reason, you should always leave room in your schedule for flexibility and adaptability.
Working from home offers a unique opportunity to create a flexible work schedule that accommodates your personal needs and preferences. Take advantage of this flexibility by creating a schedule that allows for breaks, personal time, and other obligations. However, it’s important to remain adaptable and open to changes, as unexpected challenges may arise. By creating a flexible and adaptable work routine, you can optimize your productivity and work-life balance while working remotely.
Set Time Aside for Self-Care
One of the most important things to do when working from home is to prioritize your self-care and well-being. This may involve setting aside time for exercise, meditation, or other activities that help you relax and recharge. Consider taking advantage of a four-day workweek and scheduling time off for a three-day weekend to promote work-life balance and reduce stress. By prioritizing your physical and mental health, you can maintain your productivity and motivation while working from home and prevent burnout in the long term.