Working from home vs the office? Why not have both?

If there's one good thing to come out of the coronavirus lockdown period, it's probably the renewed emphasis we're all placing on our work/life balance.

That emphasis might be on more exercise, with many people increasing their physical activity during lockdown and vowing to continue as the nation eases itself back out again.

Or perhaps you're planning to spend more time with the family at home and do fewer hours at work or in your business than you were prior to coronavirus' arrival on UK shores.

The great thing about serviced office spaces, like Bourne Space, is their flexibility.

With working from home becoming the new normal for many over the past few months, many businesses and freelancers are considering a more permanent change to their office routine.

The benefits of blending office and home working

Plenty of choice

There are, it's estimated, around 19,000 flexible office spaces around the world according to Statistica and this is set to grow to more than 25,000 in the next five years.

So, there really is plenty of choice when looking to balance up working in the office with working at home, wherever you are in the world.

Cost-effective office space

Most flexible serviced office spaces offer their members cost-effective contracts to use the space when they need it.

So, if you decide you want to work three days at home and two in your serviced office building with other companies and your company's team, the costs don't outweigh the time.

The need for human company – but not too much!

One thing we've missed hugely during the coronavirus lockdown is seeing our amazing Bourne Space members in their offices and all that social interaction.

Lockdown felt like a lonely existence at times and that's why balancing up working from home with being in an office space is a nice mix – you get to see colleagues and other flexible serviced office members, but not so much that work feels like the only thing you have going on.

Face-to-face feedback

Remember when Zoom was the new 'best thing ever'?

You should, because that time was only three months ago!

But after months of communicating with colleagues or clients through your laptop screen, we'll forgive you if you're experiencing a bit of video conferencing fatigue and are yearning for some face-to-face meetings.

There's no better way to come up with the next big idea or positive change to your company than sitting around the table in a brilliant space with the best brains in your business, flowing coffee and a whiteboard.

As great as Zoom is, and has been, for us all, it can't match that.

Cut the commute, but not the thinking time

While commuting can be stressful for some, for others it's a great time to either get ahead with work (on the train) or have some thinking time (in the car).

By balancing your working week between the office and your home, you'll get the best of both worlds – cutting that commute and saving some money on travel as well as having some time to either get ahead or just think.

Switching into work mode

If you've been working from home during lockdown, you'll know that it can be tricky to get motivated and fully switched on for work when you're sitting in your lounge.

A couple of days per week in a flexible serviced office with your colleagues and other businesses can help keep you focused on work, so that you can continue that focus the following day from home.

Much-needed quiet spaces

Even if you're sticking to video conferencing for now, while the country gets back on its feet post-lockdown, the distractions of home life can get in the way on calls.

How many social media clips have you seen of children innocently walking in on daddy's big video meeting?

At flexible serviced office spaces like Bourne Space, there are a whole host of meeting rooms and quiet spaces you can go for important video or phone calls – no kids allowed!

Networking opportunities

It's hard to network and create business opportunities when working from home.

But a day or two in a flexible serviced office each week can help change that.

Office spaces like Bourne Space are full of great people just like you and collaboration and networking are all part of working in a communal building.

Events and extras

Most flexible serviced office spaces offer their members additional events, webinars and seminars on a massive range of subjects.

We certainly do at Bourne Space and we can't wait for the green light to restart our health and wellness programme, which includes exercise classes and daily fresh fruit delivered to our offices.

Our professional and inspirational meeting rooms and events spaces are also available to hire on top of the business events we run ourselves in these brilliant spaces.

‍If you're thinking of balancing out your work and home life, take a look at our office spaces and get in touch.