Imagine this: You just finished a Zoom meeting and it’s time for your lunch break. Instead of staying cooped up indoors, you head to a beach in Spain to soak up some sun. It may seem like a far-fetched dream, but for many people, it’s become a reality. A recent report from RSM UK, an accountancy firm, revealed that 33% of businesses now allow their employees to work remotely from anywhere.
Those in favor of remote work argue that it offers a better work-life balance, allowing them to spend time with family members who live abroad and escape the cold winters of Britain. However, critics of remote work claim that it hampers productivity and prevents workers from truly connecting and collaborating with their colleagues. Research has also shown that remote work can have negative effects on employees’ mental health, as they struggle to disconnect from work when their office is also their home, leading to feelings of isolation.
But what do the people who actually live the beach-office life think about it? MailOnline interviewed individuals who have embraced remote work to find out. One such person is Paolo Dyboski, a toy manufacturer who has been working remotely since December 2020. She has logged in from various locations, including France, Spain, Germany, the US, and the UK. She even had a meeting on a paddleboard!
Paolo, who lives in a van with her 14-year-old son, finds remote work beneficial for both of them. They have been able to explore prehistoric caves and marine reserves, providing her son with hands-on educational experiences that he wouldn’t have had otherwise. Paolo believes that remote work has been great for morale and productivity in her team based in North Wales. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the trust and respect that come with allowing employees to work remotely. The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted mindsets and made remote work more acceptable, giving people the flexibility they need to care for their loved ones, prioritize their health, and achieve a better work-life balance.
Another person who has embraced remote work is Sonya Barlow, a diversity and inclusion consultant who can work from anywhere, including checking emails while on safari in Kenya. Sonya works for three companies that all allow her to work remotely. She is a travel enthusiast and has seized the opportunity to set up her office in various locations, such as Mauritius, Estonia, Turkey, and Nairobi. She stays in luxurious hotels with gyms and spas, making her remote work experience even more enjoyable. Sonya praises the benefits of remote work, stating that she is more focused and productive in a better headspace. She can easily turn off distractions, such as social media, and get her work done. As someone diagnosed with ADHD, she finds that changing environments regularly improves her mental cognitive functions. The freedom to control her working hours has been invaluable for her.
However, Sonya acknowledges that remote work has its challenges. The lack of collaboration and networking opportunities can be a downside, as well as the constant reliance on technology. She suggests finding ways to offset the negative aspects and being constantly informed about what is happening in the team. Technical issues can also pose a problem, as a laptop or wifi crash can disrupt work.
Lastly, we have Josh Askew, a 28-year-old journalist for Euronews. He used to travel back and forth between London and Vilinius, Lithuania to visit his girlfriend. However, in January, he made the decision to permanently move there thanks to remote working. Now, during his lunch breaks, he takes his two bengal cats for walks. The lower cost of living in Lithuania has greatly improved his quality of life.
In conclusion, remote work has its pros and cons. While it offers flexibility, better work-life balance, and unique experiences, it can also hinder collaboration and networking opportunities and present challenges related to technology. Nevertheless, for those who have embraced remote work, it has provided a newfound freedom to work from anywhere and enjoy life to the fullest.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
