HOME OFFICE – FRIEND OR FOE?

I am a recruiter. I divide people into two categories – the ones who ask if there are remote options available for the job and sound completely deflated if there aren’t; and the ones who say ‘Great! I am bored of sitting at home anyway’.

There is no right and wrong, of course. At least, now we have a choice.

Surely, there are so many fantastic benefits to remote work. Firstly, can we talk about the incredible flexibility? You can plan your day around your personal and family needs. And let's not forget the sweet, sweet liberation from the daily commute hustle. Say goodbye to traffic jams and crowded public transportation. Instead, say hello to a few extra hours of sleep or the luxury of doing yoga in the morning.

Video calls have become virtual hangout spots, complete with the occasional cameo appearance of a furry friend or a kiddo. It's like a daily sitcom, except you're the star, and your home is the set.

But it's not all sunshine and rainbows – there are side effects too.

The recent mental health survey suggests that we are living isolated lives, making us vulnerable to various mental health disorders. Staying at home most days creates a vacuum in our lives, which is impossible to fill with Social Media, WhatsApp and Video calls. We are social creatures, after all, and socialising has been linked to our longevity and mental clarity. ?

Sure, working in your PJs is cool, but it comes with its own set of challenges. We all know there are not enough hours in a day, and recently I found myself working throughout – I am answering a call while running late to pick up my little one from school, I am texting while cooking, I am writing this article way outside of my working hours just simply because this is a quiet moment, which I clearly don’t know how to enjoy anymore.

The line between work and play can get blurry, and suddenly, you find yourself answering emails at midnight. Boundaries, my friends, set those boundaries!

In the grand scheme of things, though, remote work is a game-changer. It's about finding that sweet spot where productivity meets comfort, where the traditional office norms give way to a more relaxed and personalised work style.

So here's to the remote work revolution – where the dress code is optional, and the only traffic jam you'll encounter is the one in your kitchen when you're deciding between coffee or tea. Just don’t forget to socialise whenever possible, and, for God’s sake, stop writing this and go to sleep ??