Conveniences over well-being?

Written by: Maia Vaher

Since the pandemic, one of the first things many of us look for in a company isn’t just the salary, it’s whether the role offers hybrid flexibility. But what if we told you it’s that very mindset that may be causing a workplace deficiency?

Look, we get it. From a logistical standpoint, working from home has a number of benefits. It saves commuting time, offers greater freedom, and opens up opportunities to fit life’s endless to-do list into an already busy week, not to mention the easy access to that amazing home fridge. However, have you ever stopped to ask: what is that convenience costing you?

Our brains are remarkably good at recognising patterns. Environmental cues help our minds transition from one task to another with less mental effort. When your bed becomes your inbox, phone calls get answered in the gym, and your kids’ homework is replaced with the last minute report, not only are you missing out on life’s beauties but so are your friends, family and clients.

‘Thinking outside the box’ is generally easier when you remove yourself from the box- it gives your mind permission to think differently. A walk into the office, a conversation in the kitchen or a spontaneous discussion after a meeting can spark ideas that simply don’t happen when every interaction is scheduled through a calendar invite. Perhaps the most valuable conversations in business aren’t the ones we plan—they’re the ones we never expected to have.

Some conversations simply can’t be scheduled- and often, they’re the ones that matter the most. The quick “How was your weekend?” in the kitchen. The smile from reception. The five-minute conversation that turns into a new client, a fresh idea or a solution to a problem you’ve been wrestling with all week. Those small movements and moments add up, benefiting you both physically and mentally. 

Even one or two days each week in a dedicated workspace can create a routine that signals to your brain, this is where I work—and just as importantly, this is where I stop. If your routine has started to feel repetitive, if your motivation isn’t what it once was or if you’re craving a little more connection throughout your week, maybe the answer isn’t another productivity app or another cup of coffee. Maybe it’s time for a change?