Reject Tradition: No More Business as Usual

Another Monday brings another Growth Blueprint, and this one marks our second!

I know this topic has been on your mind a lot. Mainly because it is practically impossible to scroll down on LinkedIn without reading about it, but more importantly, because it directly impacts our everyday life and our families!

In our dynamic world of work, multiple models have emerged: full-time office-based roles, hybrid setups, and fully remote positions. However, one model often goes unnoticed, even though it holds unique possibilities and deserves more discussion. This is the model of the solitary communal worker - a lone representative of a company thriving in a shared work environment.

Were boomers right all along? A case for the office?

Houston, do you copy?

As the only employee of my company in my country, I often find myself in an intriguing situation. I head to an office where no coworkers from my company await me. The traditional office politics are non-existent, but I get to have water cooler conversations, shared lunch breaks, and occasional community help (like "what do you think about this ad?"). The workspace is full of professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries, creating a cool and lively dynamic.

The Co-work Experience

My chosen office? Good old WeWork . However, other companies such as OFFi and Around are also thriving in the post-Covid era. The vibrant co-working environments offer a unique synergy. Despite not being from my company, the individuals I share space with have a lot in common with me. We live in the same neighborhood, navigate similar professional challenges, and are driven by comparable ambitions - we even earn similar wages. This shared environment, filled with fellow entrepreneurs and industry professionals, fosters personal and professional growth. The lessons I learned years ago when I first adopted this model continue to shape my career today.

Embracing the Solitary Communal Work Model

For those of you who enjoy the autonomy of remote work but need the human touch of a shared workspace, I wholeheartedly recommend trying a co-working environment. Some weeks, I find myself there every day. At other times, minor inconveniences such as pouring rain or hectic meetings keep me at home. But the flexibility this model offers is unparalleled - a nice blend of independence and remote work, with a dash of human touch, store-bought coffee, and familiar faces to bounce ideas off.

Never Forget About Your Work-Team

A younger me would argue that people should simply do their work because it's their job. But as we all know now, people work better when they work with people they like. We're all more likely to do a favor for a friend than a stranger. So why do we keep relegating team-building to the back burner? Granted, remote work presents its fair share of challenges. So here, I offer you our 3-step-improvised-masterplan to encourage team-building at our company:

1. Fun Slack Channels: People will look at memes, so let's open channels to share them with the team. A little humor and empathy can go a long way toward fostering a sense of belonging. Encourage and build these non-productive channels: #shareyourdog, #justforfun, #readmyposts, and more.

2. Random Coffees: Technically, it's also a channel, but there is a free Slack app that connects random people from the company every Monday and encourages them to set up 1:1 coffees to get to know people with whom they might not interact much during the week.

3. Virtual Parties: While one could argue Zoom parties are lame, there is no denying their success. Pizza and games go a long way in team-building. And we can all use a meeting that doesn't require as much focus and mental space as the others.

The End is Near

The path to professional fulfillment is about finding the work model that allows you to shine brightest. Whether it's in a co-working space, at your home office, or in a traditional workplace, the ultimate choice lies with you. My hope is that each one of us uncovers the path that empowers us to become the best versions of ourselves. What I strongly believe is: whichever path we choose, we must walk it while taking care of our human relationships.

What is your ideal scenario these days?

See you in two weeks, team!

-- The Marketing Girl