A thought-provoking LinkedIn post by a Delhi-based marketing and branding professional has ignited a widespread debate about the hidden pressures and psychological toll of remote work. Nishtha Khanduja shared her personal observations on how working from home (WFH) often leads to longer hours, a heavier workload, and a constant need to prove one's productivity, contrasting sharply with the perceived freedom it promises.
The Contradiction of Working From Home
In her reflective post on January 11, 2026, Khanduja detailed a paradox she experienced. She noted that while working from an office, she managed to find time for short breaks, personal tasks, and mental pauses. However, when she switched to working from home, that freedom seemed to vanish. Her working hours became longer, she delivered more output, and she rarely stepped away from her desk. This felt contradictory, as the primary reason for choosing WFH was the anticipated liberty it offered.
She pinpointed the core issue as an unspoken "guilt attached to working from home." This guilt stemmed from a need to constantly demonstrate that she was working, even without a physical presence in the office. This led to over-delivering on tasks, staying online for extended periods, and avoiding any activity that didn't visibly "look" like work. "In office, presence itself felt like proof. At home, productivity had to be demonstrated," she concluded.
A Systemic Issue Needing Unlearning
Khanduja believes this is not just an individual problem but a systemic one ingrained in workplace culture. "We’ve been taught that being seen equals working. And when you’re not seen, you feel the need to compensate," she wrote. She proposed that true flexibility might not be about location alone, but about consciously unlearning this deep-seated guilt and redefining how productivity is measured and perceived in a hybrid or remote setup.
Netizens Weigh In: From Resonance to Solutions
The post resonated deeply with professionals across India and beyond, sparking hundreds of comments. Many users echoed the sentiment, with one stating, "True! Resonates so well!" Another commenter supported the observation, noting it's a common feeling they have heard about for over a decade in remote work research.
However, not all agreed. One user presented a counter-view, valuing the elimination of commute stress above the pressure to prove productivity, attributing such pressure more to employer culture. They suggested a co-working space membership as a potential "best of both worlds" solution, offering a change of scenery when needed.
Others shared practical strategies to combat WFH guilt and establish boundaries:
- Physically separating work and home life by using a dedicated room with a door, opening and closing it to signify the start and end of the workday or breaks.
- Emphasizing the importance of clear boundaries to maintain home as a sanctuary for relaxation and family time.
The discussion highlights a critical evolving challenge in the modern Indian workplace: moving beyond traditional oversight to a culture of trust and outcome-based evaluation, especially as hybrid models become more permanent.
