Work From Home Could be a Big Fatigue, Even When You’re Eric Yuan

Do you love to work from home? If you had asked me this even before the COVID-19 pandemic, I would have nodded in a big yes. I like to work from home (or anywhere) since my job doesn’t require much interaction with people on a real-time basis. In fact, my first writing job was based remotely. But, I wouldn’t lie, work from home is at the same time very messy. You usually have no working schedule. Your boss could call you any time. Would give you more assignments, saying you have 24-hours to complete this job. And above all, will set unnecessary online meetings just to keep an eye on you.

Something similar has been seen even with CEOs and founders of big names. We heard a similar story from Eric Yuan, CEO of Zoom, when back in April 2020, he had 19 back-to-back Zoom meetings. He said, “I’m so tired of that… I do have meeting fatigue,” And he should have. 19 back-to-back meetings are not exciting at all.

During the same year, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also talked about his meeting fatigue. He said that video meetings were a crucial part of daily work routines. Work from offices is far better than this hectic routine. He also added that work from home requires more discipline and time management.

So, just a day before this Mother’s Day, I talked with my mom about this work and life routine where we are surrounded by mobile phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more. These devices do have their positive sides, only if we use them wisely. Else, they could do more damage than (let’s say) 14 hours of labour work.

According to Nadella, work from home employees need a plan that includes fixed or dedicate working hours and breaks. He added, “you need to plan more and better if you are working from home.”