Homeoffice ?!

My two cents on the home office topic.

A couple of months ago I started working for Kaia Health which is based in Munich but I am working from Berlin.

First of all, my job allows me to work from everywhere. That's a good thing. Second, my employer gives me the opportunity to stay in Berlin and trusts me to get my work done. The second point is clearly the most important point when doing home office.

Pros and Cons.

There are pros and cons to this topic. I have to say, I am way more productive. Why is that? My workday starts early, because I do not have to commute. I am right away at my desk working. Lunch can be made at home - this also saves me time.

I get less distracted by others, because I decide when to read my emails and other messages (Emails I only read in the morning, then I close my inbox). Additionally, I am mainly in a DND mode. This constant pop-ups otherwise drive me crazy. Important is to learn how to focus on your tasks and just work through the list. In between, I can get up and start the washing machine.

What is a pro can also be a contra.

I get less distracted - well that is good but on the other hand, I

don't have an easy idea exchange with my colleagues. Well, we schedule calls and have meetings online. Is it the same? Not always.

I can not just turn around and ask someone. I have to send a message and there is hardly an instant reply. Do I feel lonely? Not really.

If I would like to see other people and I need an idea exchange I work in a workspace.

Do I feel less stressed? Yes. The office environment can have positive as well as negative sides to it. You can be social, have a coffee with your peers, exchange knowledge, ask for help. All positive points. But I think there are offices, where people get stressed and offload this on other people - it's like a chain of stress that makes even people feel bad who are not directly involved. Of course, this can go into another direction with motivation and fun.

It all comes down to the personality one is. Self-discipline is necessary as well as the trust of your peers and managers. Delivering quality work on time and still be helpful and social (as much as possible) with your colleagues are keys.