The demise of 'busyness' as a work status symbol

This crisis has shown that we are all in this together but we are experiencing things differently. From those taking on more work to help out colleagues, to parents trying to juggle being an educator as well as doing their jobs, to those who have small physical space to work in — the global WFH experiment is yielding different results for all.

But stepping back, the 'new normal' is continuing to throw up new questions we have for ourselves in our lives and careers. In some respects, it has been a great equaliser to some working practices and has placed a path in front of us — should we choose to take it —on opting for "quality" versus "quantity" when it comes to what we value.

The global lockdown has stripped back the office dynamics for a majority of us — making us all work from home and relying on digital working practices to get our jobs done. No longer do we have drive-by meetings or are conditioned to feel that those who are visibly in meeting rooms more are somehow more important or busy.

Time in general and the efficient and quality use of it is in the spotlight. We are more mindful on whether some things are best done in an email or a Slack message rather than a booked in conversation or meeting. Full meeting diaries aren't something to be revered anymore, it's become more apparent that it can be deflective or harmful to productivity.

Of course, when we are in survival mode and have a lot to do, this can't be helped.

But the difference is now, we are being more honest with ourselves and our communities what are useful or enjoyable connections or meetings and what simply is just a meeting for the sake of someone feeling like they're doing something, anything. We are becoming more brave, and being given the room, to assess what is 'quality' and what is simply 'quantity.'

And by taking this time we have to assess what we really value — whether it is quality or quantity — can be the lightbulb moment to take that next step in your working life.

Topic of the week: Understanding the difference between career 'quality' vs 'quantity'

We are going back to basics — peeling back all the noise and getting down to the functional of what we do in our jobs. We are also on alert to making sure we stay connected but not overwhelm ourselves.

While things are in flux and we're all trying to figure out the next week, month or quarter, now is the opportunity to assess what you value in your career and what you want to focus on, develop more, and what impact you have.

Assessing quality versus quantity is an important tool in keeping yourself authentic, fulfilled, productive, and your best self for others. It can unlock your next step or drive room for growth.

Top tips to help you identify 'quality' versus 'quantity':

What is necessary? In a crisis there are things we all need to do to keep the engine running. It could be taking some regressive functional steps to help lead a team to success. But is that all you are doing right now and is it what you enjoy/what you want for yourself and do you see this actually being a normality for your work, even pre-crisis time?

Kondo it: Right now, identify what is sparking joy for you. Most of us are working all hours in a crisis right now but what is giving you a feeling of quality of life? Is it problem solving? Are you thriving in getting back to basics? Are you discovering new skills or situations you are adding impact to? Are you, and it's OK to feel this, actually being more productive working from home? Identify what is making you tick.

Quality connections: With the amount of meetings you have — what has been the result? Are you making time count? That's not to say you need to walk away from every meeting with an actionable item — it could mean nurturing relationships, connections, and knowledge sharing. Are you coming away curious for the next step or something you want to explore?

Your space: Is the way you're carving out space qualitative? What is it about the way you're working right now is really working from you? What are you valuing most in helping you get used to this new normal, and even if things returned to the way things where, what have you learned to keep you happy and productive, even back at the office. In fact, do you even want to return to an office?

Inside the work-from-homes of Verizon Media:

Back by popular demand, people are gaining inspiration and tips from workers who are maximising their productivity and space at home — by doing it their own way.

Erin Bigelow, deputy head of studios, based in New York City, NY, US:

Erin says that the most important thing to her is to have "a comfortable environment where I can focus on work, separate from everything else I need to do at home."

"My dining room has become my office and I don't go into the dining room after I've finished working for the day. The one thing I could not do without is my extensive charging station and wired ethernet internet connection! Everything is always plugged in and functioning at high speed — very important when supporting live broadcasting from home!"

Sarah Klinetobe, cash applications analyst, based in Omaha, Nebraska, US:

Much like Erin, the most important thing to Sarah is separation to maintain a division between the working day and home time.

"I don't have a door between the rest of my house and my little office so I put up curtains to block the area off. This has been important so when I step through the curtains I know I need to be in work mode and gives more of a semblance of work life balance."

Lighting is very important to her, but necessarily natural light, when it comes to essential items for a WFH set-up.

"It's a tie between my 34 inch monitor and my smart colour light bulbs. My job would take loads longer without the monitor, but my light set up can help me switch gears whenever I need!"

How to... take practical steps in your career

Every week, Yahoo Finance UK releases the latest top tip when it comes to stepping up in your career. These are evergreen topics that will come in handy during or after the crisis.

The first six episodes and guides are all available online and more will be released over the next month:

• How To Create The Perfect CV
• The Biggest Job Interview Mistakes
• How To Answer Difficult Interview Questions
• What To Ask In A Job Interview
• How To Resign Without Burning Bridges

Either check out our page here for more in the future.

Keeping us curious...

• Why ‘meaningful’ work is going to become more important post-coronavirus. "The crisis has made many people think more about the role work plays in their lives, including its usefulness to society and its importance to the economy." (Yahoo Finance UK)
• You’re not powerless in the face of a layoff. "You’ll want your colleagues to remember your generosity and integrity as you leave, since they are your advocates, support network, and sources of new job opportunities." (Harvard Business Review)
• It’s Official: We’re Out of Things to Talk About. "Isolation has been one long conversation, and we’ve reached the end of it. So, what’s next?" (Forge)
• 7 ways the workplace will drastically change in a post-pandemic world. A return to the physical office will be inevitable many, but what will it look like? (Ladders)
• Lost your job? I got through it & you will too. "What do you do when you suddenly don’t have a job for the first time in over a decade?" (Refinery 29)

Don't forget to press subscribe to this newsletter, LinkedIn page, and visit Yahoo Finance UK. For feedback, topic requests, or questions you want answered, comment at the bottom of the article or email me: [email protected]