I delivered a session yesterday for a client at a beautiful venue – old stately home, fabulous grounds, great spaces to work from – and found myself thinking ‘isn’t it lovely to be out and about following the last few years of reduced face to face working’. Today i am at home and have delivered a session virtually and found myself thinking ‘isn’t it lovely to be able to work from the comfort of a home office and connecr with people at their homes “! Make my mind up !!! So which is best?!
We know that in recent years, the traditional office-based work environment has undergone a significant transformation. The rise of remote work has allowed people to break free from the confines of the office and explore new ways of working. As technology advances and communication tools become more accessible, i think people are enjoying the emerging trend of a perfect blend of working from home and getting out to the office, or client sites or venues.
However, many people I speak to tell me that their organisations are pushing for them to be back on site full time. I’d caution against it – the hybrid approach offers a plethora of benefits that not only enhance productivity and efficiency but also nurture professional relationships and personal growth. There is a real beauty in getting the mix right which is why it has become the preferred choice for many individuals and organizations.
- Flexibility that Boosts Productivity:
One of the advantages of this blended approach is the flexibility it offers. Working from home allows people to create a personalised and comfortable work environment, free from office distractions. It enables them to design their schedule to align with their peak productivity hours, leading to better concentration and output. Technology enables remote working to mirror the onsite experience in many ways. On the other hand, visiting offices or client sites fosters a dynamic work experience, providing opportunities to engage directly with people, understand their needs, and build stronger relationships. The combination of flexibility and on-site interactions can significantly enhance productivity and drive business growth.
2. Strengthening Client Relationships:
Offices, client sites and hired venues are not just workplaces; they are gateways to building meaningful connections with others. While virtual meetings and communication channels have their merits – and at times – are preferable, face-to-face interactions create a bond that can deepen professional relationships. By working face to face, professionals can gain a deeper understanding of the client’s culture, values, and challenges. This firsthand experience allows for more personalised solutions and fosters trust, leading to long-term partnerships. Balancing remote work with occasional site visits ensures a healthy client engagement cycle that can transcend virtual interactions.
3. Professional and Personal Development:
The blend of working from home and away offers ample opportunities for professional and personal growth. Remote work allows individuals to exercise autonomy, take ownership of their projects, and develop self-discipline and time management skills. Moreover, the independence gained from remote work allows people to expand their skill sets, explore new technologies, and stay updated with industry trends. Conversely, site visits facilitate exposure to different work environments, industries, and diverse perspectives. This exposure nurtures adaptability, cultural intelligence, and broadens one’s professional horizons.
4. Enanced Work-Life Balance:
One of the most sought-after benefits of working remotely is the ability to achieve a better work-life balance. By eliminating daily commutes, people gain valuable time to invest in personal activities, hobbies, and relationships. The flexibility of remote work enables individuals to juggle personal responsibilities, such as childcare or caring for aging parents, without sacrificing professional growth. Intermittent office and site visits provide an opportunity to break the routine and add excitement to the work-life balance, offering a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to explore new places.
5. Synergy Between Collaboration and Individual Focus:
A mix of working from home and elsewhere creates the ideal balance between. Remote work allows for uninterrupted periods of deep work, enabling people to concentrate on complex tasks without constant interruptions. On the other hand, getting face to face contacr can bring the benefits of teamwork, brainstorming sessions, and real-time problem-solving. The collaborative environment fosters creativity and innovation, allowing people to leverage their unique strengths while benefitting from the collective wisdom of the others
The combination of working from home and getting out and about or heading in to the office represents a modern approach that captures the best of both worlds. It offers the freedom to optimise productivity, build strong client relationships, and continuously grow both professionally and personally. This blend allows for an enriched work experience that nurtures individuality, fosters collaboration, I’m good with the mix – best of both worlds!!!!