Has shifting to remote made life worse for anyone else?

Question

A few days ago I was hanging out with a friend, and was surprised to see them receive a work call at 7PM, when officially their work day ends at 5:30PM. When I asked them about it, I was told that every since they were shifted to WFH, they've been expected to work for a lot more hours, but for no increased pay. They feel frustrated because their work-life balance has been thrown out of the window.I asked around in a few groups that I am part of, and this seems to not be an uncommon occurance, and is happening to people from all fields, not just tech.Have you experienced this? Do you have any solutions in mind?

momofuku · Accepted Answer

For me it has to be a yes and no. For context, I'm a robotics researcher, so lot of my work is exploratory in nature.
Yes, my work output has improved significantly. As another user mentioned here, having to not commute is a huge benefit. I start working at about 10AM, without feeling tired/exhausted groggy. Because of this, I can use precious early hours to focus completely on my research, rather than wasting them on morning commutes. This has led me to achieve better results and develop new models for my research.
The bad side of it is (again as another user mentioned) I tend to work longer hours. The lines between work, rest and play are really blurry now. Since I don't have a family to take care of etc this isn't much of a problem but it has taken a toll on me now. I read fewer books, something that I love, and spend less time doing things that I like.
So, yes it has been a boon in a way, but also bane.
Hope this answers your question!

decafninja · Answer

My commute was a nightmare, and one that cannot be solved by moving closer to the office without paying extraordinarily higher costs. Or accepting significantly reduced living conditions. Or relocating to an entirely different city/region with different commute patterns (this is something under consideration).
While I'm not expected to work after hours, I find myself doing so. However I don't mind at all. Not having to commute more than makes up for it.
In fact, if I'd be allowed to work remotely, I'd gladly work extra hours. I see that as a win-win. I don't have to waste time and energy commuting - I arrive at the office already exhausted. That wasted time and energy can benefit my employer if I spend it on working - not just in time, but in efficiency too. That's an additional 2, often 3, hours not wasted every workday.

gregjor · Answer

To get control of your time you have to frame your work in terms of deliverables (output) rather than in terms of time spent. If that's not possible you have to tell your employer, manager, customer when you will and will not make yourself available for work-related calls and emails.
I work freelance, remote for about ten years now. I tell my customers up front what days and times they can expect to reach me by phone or email (or Slack or whatever they are using), and I make myself available during those times. If they have an emergency they can call anytime, but if they abuse that I will charge them double rate for calling. We agree in advance what constitutes an emergency.
I also use the "do not disturb" feature on my phone to disable incoming calls from people not in my contact favorites, and to turn off email/Slack/etc. notifications during the times I'm not "working."
It comes down to setting expectations and not letting your job rule your life.

DonnaN · Answer

I think the best solution here can be to talk to your boss. Try to explain that you can be unavialbe at certain hours. Building personal boundaries is very important for establishing better relationships between an employer and and employees