The pandemic has changed the way we work, and many people have switched to remote work or a hybrid schedule that combines office and home-based work. For those working a hybrid schedule, picking the best days to work remotely can make a huge difference in productivity, work-life balance, and personal commitments. In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips to help you choose the best days to work from home, so you can maximize your performance and well-being while working remotely.
What is a Hybrid Work Schedule?
A hybrid work schedule combines the benefits of working from a home office and connecting virtually with coworkers as needed via apps like Zoom and FaceTime. It provides a flexible work schedule that allows employees to work from home for part of the week and come into the office for the remainder.
Hybrid work schedules have gained popularity in recent years, especially since the pandemic, and have enabled employees to work more efficiently while maintaining a better work-life balance. Plus, hybrid schedules offer many perks, such as reduced commute time, more time for personal commitments, and even the possibility of working a four-day work week.
Benefits of Working from Home
Working from home offers several benefits for employees:
- The work environment can be customized to suit personal preferences and needs, improving productivity and motivation.
- Working from home enables employees to maintain a better work-life balance, as they can avoid long commutes and save time that can be spent on personal pursuits.
- Remote work provides employees with more control over their workspace, which can lead to increased comfort and job satisfaction.
Overall, working from home can have a significant positive impact on an employee’s overall wellbeing, as it provides more flexibility and autonomy in their work life.
Things to Consider When Selecting WFH Days
When selecting which days to work from home, there are several important factors to consider, as we review below:
Identify Your Most Productive Days
Identifying your most productive days is essential when determining the best days to work from home. Working in an office environment can be distracting, leading to interruptions in workflow and reduced productivity. When working from home, however, you may find that you have fewer distractions and can accomplish tasks in less time.
It’s helpful to determine which days of the week you are most productive and reserve these for in-office work when you can benefit from the structure and support of the office environment. By working from home on days when you’re less productive, you can maximize your overall output and efficiency.
Consider Important Goals and Deadlines
When selecting days to work from home, it’s critical to consider any important goals or deadlines that require face-to-face interaction with colleagues or clients. Communication is key in achieving success at work, and some tasks may be better completed in the office.
If you have important meetings or deadlines to meet, it’s best to plan to be at work on those days to ensure you have the necessary resources and support to achieve your objectives. Consider which days of the week are most important for achieving success at work, and reserve these days for in-office work. This strategy will help you stay on track and achieve your goals more efficiently.
Think of Any Impact on Direct Reports, Colleagues, and Clients
Another crucial consideration when selecting which day’s you’ll work from home is the possible impact of your absence on direct reports, colleagues, and clients. You need to ensure that your team members are not left without support or resources when you’re not in the office.
That’s why it’s necessary to communicate with your colleagues and ensure that they know when you’ll be available and when you’ll be working remotely. Consider scheduling check-ins with your team members and clients to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that progress is being made. Keeping the lines of communication open when working remotely is critical, as it helps to maintain relationships and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.
Double-Check Company Policies and Guidelines
Your HR team will be the first to confirm that it’s also quite important to double-check your company’s policies and guidelines regarding remote work when selecting work from home days. Some companies may require employees to be present in person for certain tasks or meetings, while others may allow for more flexibility. Understanding your company’s policies and guidelines will help you avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts.
It’s also important to ensure that you have the necessary equipment and resources to work remotely effectively. Before selecting days to work from home, make sure that your home office setup meets the requirements set forth by your company.
Take Your Personal Commitments Into Account
Finally, when selecting days to work from home, you should absolutely take your personal commitments into account. Work-life balance is essential to ensure that you maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent burnout. If you have personal commitments, such as doctor appointments, child care responsibilities, or other obligations, working from home can provide the flexibility you need to manage these commitments.
It’s important to balance your work responsibilities with your personal life and ensure that you have enough time for both. Consider your personal commitments when selecting days to work from home and create a schedule that allows you to balance your work responsibilities with your personal obligations.
Most Common WFH Days, Ranked
When it comes to working from home, selecting the best day of the week can be a challenge. To help you make an informed decision, we’re reporting insights into the best days of the week for remote work, based on productivity, team communication, and work-life balance.
#1: Monday
Monday is the most common day for remote work, and for good reason. Monday mornings can be a hectic time as people try to get back into the swing of things after the weekend. By working from home, employees can avoid the stress of commuting and arrive at work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
Additionally, working from home on Monday allows employees to start the week with a clear plan and focus on their priorities, rather than getting bogged down in office distractions.
The takeaway: Working from home on Monday is an excellent way to start the week on the right foot.
#2: Wednesday
Wednesday is the second most common day for remote work. This is likely due to its position as the middle of the workweek. By Wednesday, many employees may feel a bit tired or burned out, and working from home can provide a much-needed break from the office environment.
Additionally, working from home on Wednesday allows employees to focus on completing tasks and meeting deadlines without the distractions of in-office meetings or social interactions.
The takeaway: Working from home on Wednesday can help employees maintain their productivity and energy levels through the rest of the workweek.
#3: Friday
Friday is the third most common day for remote work. As the end of the workweek approaches, employees may feel anxious to wrap up their tasks and start the weekend. Working from home on Friday can provide the flexibility needed to manage any last-minute assignments or projects while avoiding the distractions of the office environment. Plus, working from home on Friday can provide employees with a sense of relief and satisfaction as they complete their workweek from the comfort of their home office.
The takeaway: Working from home on Friday can help employees end the workweek on a high note.
#4: Tuesday
Tuesday is near the bottom of the list of most popular days for remote work. This is likely because it falls in the middle of the workweek and is not associated with the start or end of the workweek. Many employees may also feel that working from home on Tuesday disrupts their weekday routine, making it harder to focus and maintain productivity.
The takeaway: Working from home on Tuesday may feel like a pause in momentum early in the week, and may interrupt employees as they try to tackle their mid-week tasks and deadlines.
#5: Thursday
Thursday is the least popular day to work from home, and for good reason. It’s often considered the midweek slump day, which can make it challenging to stay motivated and productive when working from home. Further, some view Thursday as the last push before the weekend and prefer to be in the office to stay on track with their tasks.
The takeaway: Working from home on Thursday can feel like a disruption to an established schedule.
Making the Decision: The Best Day to Work From Home
If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a flexible work environment or hybrid work schedule, you’re ahead of the game already. Remote workers often report more satisfaction in work-life balance, and increased productivity.
When selecting a day to work from home, it is important to consider personal commitments, important goals and deadlines, and the impact on direct reports, colleagues, and clients. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are the most popular days to work from home, while Tuesday and Thursday are the least preferred. By following these guidelines, remote workers can choose the best day to work from home and achieve optimal work-life balance.