When flexible working actually, well works, it can be a good thing for productivity, getting an employer the best of talents, and support healthy work life balance. This is going to be my goal the second half of 2001. Second half! How is that already possible. I think I mentioned the transition back to the office has been pushed back another month-August at the earliest before feel like the modified office set up will be ready to have more than a handful of people day to day in house. I won't transition to my two days until after labor day. I have two week sof vacation in August, and then I'll play a week of catch up-likely long hours before the three day weekend. DD2 will be back to school then. She starts classes on Thursday, August 26th but needs to be there earlier as her Acapella choir is singing for one of the Freshman orientation events. I plan to have two hard core get caught up weeks, and ease into a part time office/part time telework schedule, with my every other Friday off starting September 7th. Ugh-I'm not trying to rush summer, but rather plan so I can enjoy summer.
Things I need to prepare , buy, or organize before September:
- Rolling briefcase/computer case: I think buying something along the lines of this will help me organize the "hotel" space int he office, while making sure I can easily pack anything from the home office to take with me.
- Lunch bag or box that will fit in the case, but has room for ice pack and utensils. Without a desk of my own, and potentially a different workspace on a a given day even if I have to buy something new, it will pay for itself by avoiding temptation to just eat out. Plus, we actually do not know yet what building we'll even be in come January as out lease ends at the end of December. I might no longer be in walking distance to Target or a dozen food options so going to get lunch would mean a car trip. We might be put in the same building as colleagues and one with a cafeteria-and that could be dangerously convenient. Best I be prepared-and that includes using my travel coffee mug and water bottle.
- Clean out and purge my car. I've been lazy leaving things in the car on my infrequest trips. Also, my trunk has items that do not need to be there.
- Develop a new laundry schedule and better meal planning. I can't mid day throw a load in any day of the week or fold laundry while listening in on a meeting or presentation. Likewise, no running to the store on my lunch break then starting dinner, and then finishing my work day while supper cooks, at least the two office days. I've been working much longer days teleworking, but to a great extent, (if I had been more efficient) the extra flexibility for home tasks has somewhat balanced this our.
- Update my schedule with the dog. Again. he's used to getting out now whenever I go outside, even if he didn't come to me to go out. DH is going to need to plan a run home and I'll need to make sure he gets a start of day walk everyday, and build in a new schedule.
I saw this commercial pop up when I was streaming YouTube in the background, catching up with a few vlogging faves. I love the Little Mermaid, and the Wish I Could Be" song. I thought it was a clever use of the song for this IPad commercial, showing the best of getting productivity from your computer system, but being out and about in the real world. I likely won't be working from a park, but I love the idea of being able to grab a few hours of fresh air mid day, while getting my work done, or tagging along with DH on Thursday's to the lake when it will be nice and quiet, but I can perhap take a mid day swim on my lunch break. I'm sharing this as I thought it was clever-no skin in the IPad game. IPad Little Mermaid Themed Ad. If you've changed how you work, during the pandemic, what changed will you keep and what are your thoughts on them?
I think you're wise to plan for an office move. When our office was in central Geneva it was just so easy to walk down to the store or to go out to lunch. While all of that is lovely it can get pretty expensive too. Over here (my former employer and André's employer) are looking at a return to the office not before September as far as I can see. Partial teleworking, when done properly, benefits all - as you so rightly said!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping that my days in the office will be used to get all the things that are more difficult remotely, and that includes perhaps a lunch out with colleagues every week or two. I'll also use those days as my grocery shop on route home day-which will avoid special trips.
DeleteThe rolling briefcase seems like a smart thing to have. Our office is now 3 days a week, for those that want to.
ReplyDeleteIt might not work so slick in the winter, so I'll have to be careful not to make it too heavy.
DeleteA good idea to get yourself prepared in advance. My son in law's company has now closed their Manchester office, so he will remain working from home. He's never met anyone in person as he took the job in April last year, just after being made redundant due to the pandemic. It means that a move to Wales is on the cards for him and my elder daughter as they have no need to stay in the North West of England now.
ReplyDeleteI feel bad for our Office Support Specialist. He's a people person and onboarding and only remote has been a tough challenge for him. Good luck to your SIL when he does meet his colleagues.
DeleteI think you have some great ideas and it's a good idea to plan ahead!
ReplyDeleteI want to be efficient in both places. I've gotten sloppy at home, but with shared space, I will need to be organized.
DeleteMy company hasn't said yet when we'll know about our people coming back to the office - likely not till after September. I'm mentally preparing myself to change up things and gear up, but I also want to enjoy my time off this summer...while it lasts!
ReplyDeleteDo you telework most days, or are you already blended? You'll be the most stylish in either location I am sure.
DeleteI am one of the few the proud the backwards who still schlepp their office bag by handles in hand.
ReplyDelete