Working from home.

Work from home, remote working, hybrid model, or teleworking as some people refer to is the best thing that ever happened to corporate life. I started working from home once a month when I was in Dubai; it was then that my previous employer, Golin, rolled out their 'WFH' policy of one day every month. I knew of people working from home since the early 2000's and I always envied them - it was time I joined the movement. At first, I was agitated, I felt something was missing, like a smoker without cigarettes, and I felt that I was underperforming. I was wrong. I realised that I am much more efficient, focused and creative when I am at home or 'outside' the office. 

When COVID-19 hit in 2020, everyone was suddenly working from home full-time, and if anything was good about Corona, then this was it. I actually worked more from home - that was the only downside. Being at home - every day - meant that you were not restricted to working hours or lunch breaks, and especially when everyone else was on board with you, it was like a never-ending work day. 

Now most companies, including the one I work for, apply a hybrid model. Right now, we have just one day per week (that doesn't include Sundays or Thursdays), and to be honest I am loving it. I wish we had more, 2 or 3 days would be best, but it's okay, I understand that many people never work from home and abuse the model, and as a company, you need to protect your business first and foremost. 

While writing this today, I remembered when I first blogged about WFH in 2006, it was one of the first blogposts I wrote - here. Reading this put a smile on my face. Would you have believed that this is the same person who is loving the concept now and raving about it? It's crazy how people can change their opinions about something, but it's also a sign that we are 'human', our thoughts change according to the situation we are in. 

So much has changed since 2006. What will I think 17 years from now? Will we be fully working from home, or at the office, or will robots do our job? Will I be around? 

Watch this space.