Since the pandemic, hybrid working has become the new normal for a lot of office based roles. 

Of course there are lots of roles which have not and cannot change, NHS workers, first responders, carers, teachers, chefs, etc.  But for those of us in office based, corporate type jobs there has definitely been a big shift.

Isn’t it crazy to think that in 2019 most of us office bee’s were going to work 5 days a week, 9am – 5pm or maybe longer, with a commute either side and now the idea of doing that every day seems mad! I have 2 jobs now, my 9-5 and my own business which I do in my own time.  Even for my 9-5 job I am only expected to be in the office 2 days a week (I usually do 3) and if I need to be in 5 days one week, due to an event or something which requires my physical presence, I feel exhausted! 

But just how efficient is hybrid working? Do you feel just as productive at home as you do at the office? Both definitely have their benefits but lots of people find themselves much more efficient either in one place of the other.  At the office you might find yourself easily distracted by colleague chit chat, at home maybe that pile of washing calls out to you when you should be squirrelling away at your desk.  Just because hybrid working is available doesn’t mean it is the right fit for everyone. Make sure that you work in the place which makes you feel you can focus and work at your best.

There are huge benefits to working at the office; the social aspect, having instant access to the other staff, in person meetings and access to resources you may not have at home such as a printer, photocopier, laminator, etc.  Being in a busy office can foster a quicker pace of work and a more collaborative approach to problem solving.

Working from home can give you the peace and quiet you need to really dig in to a big task.  You can set the temperature, lighting and music at your optimum settings for working, there are less social distractions at home and no commute!  WFH also doesn’t always have to be from home, you can work from a local café, library, hotel, whatever environment fits your days requirements and helps you feel productive.  This kind of flexibility is such a gift and we need to be sure not to squander it.

Thanks for following along!

Kay x