Hello
The pros and cons of the home office
We know the transition from in-person to at-home working has been tough for some. In this respect, we’re luckier than many. With jobs that often take us out of the office, working remotely is second nature. We’re used to MS Teams, and dab hands at keeping the show on the road from airports and far-flung venues.
But now our team members have swapped taxis for living rooms and are stuck at home sweet home, how are we coping? It turns out everyone’s discovering their own medley of pros and cons…
Another day at ‘the office’
Now I’m always dressed in comfies (so nice not to wear makeup every day) when I’m usually dolled up just to put the bins out!
Vanessa
Vanessa
I work from my dining/games room, so no commute means I’m less tired and daily exercise means I have more energy than before. My husband’s furloughed too so we’re getting more downtime together. Now I’m always dressed in comfies (so nice not to wear makeup every day) when I’m usually dolled up just to put the bins out!
I’ve finally re-jigged my iTunes, I cook more (Asian mainly) and am finally getting round to stripping the doors. Wine is compulsory after a day’s work, when I shut the door to separate home/work life. Luckily I can get out with my dog Shadow and the sun’s been shining. Ah, springtime…
Daisy and Rolo living la vida lockdown!
Lindsey
I’m loving…
- The fact that exercise has benefits I took for granted before, such as getting outside
- A new-found enthusiasm for my wee garden, formerly weed-central. I can’t wait to get stuck in, despite the challenge of getting hold of geraniums…
- The pace and opportunities we now have to do things with our business – not a moment to waste
I’m missing…
- Leisurely lunches at Ondine (love that place)
- Kevin, my hairdresser
- Cooking for friends, not just me
And I thought I’d be giving myself facials and painting my nails, but haven’t had a minute!
I have a new-found enthusiasm for my wee garden, formerly weed-central.
Lindsey
Churros and hot chocolate at Lidice’s!
Lidice
Having been used to working life at the office or onsite, it was a real change to be at home. I love not wasting time commuting, but miss the office chit-chat. Sometimes my daughter Laila hugs me all day long, it’s like I’m dragging an anchor across my flat. Of course I love it – though not when I’m cooking or brushing my teeth – so I have to put on my ‘no-nonsense’ face. We’re enjoying eating breakfast together now, doing TikTok dances and laughing a lot.
We requested! (see text)
Graeme
My garden has never looked better. It’s nice not to have to use the car or bus every day – Integrity’s carbon impact must be down massively. And no commute means more time to prepare better dinners. I’m currently sharing an office with my son Finlay’s inflatable unicorn and turtle (photo on request).
I’m currently sharing an office with my son Finlay’s inflatable unicorn and turtle.
Graeme
Darragh, between typing duties!
Eimear
I definitely have a new appreciation for office working, with colleagues to chat to and be around, rather than demanding one-year-old Darragh who wants to type on my laptop while I work. Regardless of the systems we have in place – which work great – they don’t replace the human element. (Who knew? It turns out I like you all ) Working remotely for events is usually a temporary novelty, whereas the current situation is very different. Especially with Darragh around – it’s all about fitting work in around her.
From this… …to this!
Sam
I’m loving…
- No commute from Fife – I’ve swapped traffic with endless streams of red brake lights for morning walks on Burntisland beach with my two dogs
- More time to experiment with cooking new food
- More time to exercise – I’ve started running. Before I wouldn’t even run for a bus!
I’m missing…
- Catch-ups with friends over wine – Zoom isn’t quite the same as real life
- Hugs from family and friends – once we’re out I’m putting aside a day to just hug everyone I love
- Eating out at all the fabulous Edinburgh restaurants