Remote working will be something we’ll always thank #Coronavirus for…

With so many businesses moving into remote working to help stop the spread of #coronavirus, some folk are feeling daunted having only ever worked in an office. But working from home is amazing – here’s why:

1) Not having to force yourself out of bed is the best thing ever. You’ll feel much less tired within a few days. And think what you can achieve with all that extra energy!

2) No commute is great for stress levels. Whether you drive or take the train, the lack of interaction with other less desirable folk is something you’ll relish.

3) You’ll save lots of money. Those trips to Starbucks / lunch runs to M&S / after-work drinkies at the pub really blitz through your wallet much more than you realise.

4) You can be so much more healthy! Juicing, making soup, the ease of creating a lunchtime salad (I recommend preparing dinner around 4.30, so it’s underway and the lure of a takeaway is quashed). And there are great mindfulness benefits to cooking too.

5) You can use the gym at a time that suits you – no more waiting for popular machines or fully-booked classes. Get up, work a bit, go to the gym then return by mid-morning. Do be sure to at least go for a walk each day though – even just 5000 steps helps clear your head.

6) You’re in charge of the temperature and radio. All those office arguments are over, and you can do whatever you like (I do recommend the radio to keep you company, though)

7) You get so much more work done! Yes, the office banter is fun (and you can still phone your desk buddies), but without the constant distractions you’ll be far more productive.

8) You’ll be amazed how slowly you get through your “stuff” – makeup, shampoo, clothes etc. I’m not suggesting you sit around smelling, looking rough & be generally unwashed. But when it’s just you, these things can be toned down somewhat.

9) You won’t get ill so much. I know that’s the whole point at the moment, but it’s true generally too. Just being away from people really helps germ-dodge.

10) Housework and errands become a breeze. Deliveries are easy. You can do the washing and load the dishwasher etc, just as a 15min break from the computer. Gone is the irritation of having to cram errands / keeping the place looking respectable into just 2 days.

So don’t look at any quarantine or remote working phases as a sad lonely time. I promise, you’ll be loving it for all those reasons. And I suspect this episode will be the start of a far more balanced approach to the working week for many companies – bosses will see that staff can be trusted, productivity climbs not falls, and everyone is happier & healthier. Out of every negative comes a positive…