THE EMPOWERED TEAM

These are both daily choices around my schedule, and high-level choices like choosing where to live.

I can wear what I want, work from a coffee shop, run errands without stress, or go to another city on short notice. Two of my three kids were born right into this ”remote work” lifestyle.

As a double thrill, we help our team members exercise the same freedom. This is the next-level kind of joy.

Broadband has enabled us to plug in and work from anywhere — as long as there is good connectivity. I split my time between offices in Southampton, London, and working from Tunbridge Wells, where I live — hybrid working means that I have more time because I travel less and live more.

Hybrid and flexible working has always been a superb idea, but we haven’t had the infrastructure to support it — the pandemic has given businesses the confidence to embrace technology and change their culture. Moving forward, fast, reliable, and secure connectivity is enabling this to continue for many individuals. Hybrid working is also a business perk in the competitive job market and is supporting the leveling up agenda.

I do not stress about my available leaves and taking a sudden day off just because my toddler got sick. Moreover, I do not need to work longer hours because of a ‘busy season’ or because someone decided to schedule an all-hands meeting after the work day ends.

Furthermore, remote work has given me independence and a stress-free work environment. I can decide my working hours, schedule calls only if required and according to my schedule, scale up or scale down my work during a given period of time, and not be bogged down by office politics or the need to please other people.

That’s the best thing about working remotely. I don’t have to worry about spending hours in traffic or hoping that public transportation will not be late this time. As a result, I have more time for my hobbies, passions, and self-development — which are essential to who I am and want to become. It also made me more productive.

Back when I worked in an office, I wasted so much time just chatting with my co-workers, drinking coffee, and slacking off. Now I’m focused only on my work, which brought exceptional results for the company I work for and my personal goals.

Whether it’s with my team (distributed across all 4 time zones in the USA), partner collaborations, or once-in-a-while ClickUp meetups, I have more opportunities to expand my horizons. I love being able to work from my home office, where I have a very nice view of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Paul.

Remote work has also given me the freedom to work from wherever. For example, when my wife, a concert violinist, has performances out of town, I can be a supportive husband and travel with her, while I work in different environments. This variety helps me bolster creativity and productivity, which is just a positive thing on all fronts!

I’ve been working remotely for the last 5 years and I enjoy the fact I don’t have to stick to a certain place or follow a boring routine. Instead, I travel, explore new cafés, and meet new people — during my most productive work hours.

I don’t have to stick to a schedule unless there is a work call — all I need is good connectivity. Works best for an ambivert person like me to choose if I want to stay indoors or just go out and be there.

While I can manage work and personal life side by side, I realized I can effectively do more work

at home than in an office. The perks also include being able to interact with coworkers from all across the world as my company employs global talent.

This helps in learning and respecting different cultures — and, as a result — incorporating these learnings into our marketing activities. Of course, the best part is that I save up so much on extra costs, such as getting lunch outside the home, fuel expenses, etc.

Remote work has allowed me to expand my professional goals, and there’s no other way I would choose to work than this.

Personally, I prefer to work from the office most of the time as it’s easier to disconnect from work once you’re finished. There’s something in the physical act of entering and leaving the office that sends a signal to your brain that the work is over. Plus, the office is huge and bright, which is great for mood and creativity.

On the other hand, when I’m not feeling great, the weather is terrible, or I have a day filled with back-to-back meetings, it’s much easier and more comfortable to stay and work from home.

This way of working is a great opportunity for young people, like me, to gain work experience even though I am still a student. Hybrid work allows me to work from anywhere, and to travel more, but most importantly, I get to spend more time with family and friends.

However, sometimes I miss my colleagues and members of my team, so I like coming to the office. Working in an office is a lot of fun, we play foosball (and no, I’m not good at it, but it’s fun), talk to each other, and have lunch together. As much as I have fun when I come to the office, I’m also working equally hard because I am surrounded by people who are constantly striving to work on themselves, who give you support and always try to help you, even though it may not be their field. A hybrid way of working allows me to achieve all my goals and spend more time with my loved ones, and as a result, I am more motivated and productive at work.