Home Is the New Office

In just one month or so, the coronavirus pandemic has affected our daily lives in myriad ways. Many realizations and revelations have occurred that may not have happened in the normal course. One such useful discovery is that many employees can handle their jobs remotely. This means going to the office daily could be redundant.

Companies are fast realizing how productive their workforce can be if it is allowed to work from home. With many communication tools available today, coordinating isn’t a problem. Some other unproductive and energy-sapping activities have come to an end. My alarm clock no longer dictates when I should wake up. I don’t have to tolerate the whims of cab drivers. We are not being stuck in traffic. There is no rush, yet things are happening.

Most importantly, the work is getting integrated in our lives. There is no need to see it separate from our other regular activities. There is no need to wait for the weekend for some time off. Not surprisingly, many of us are working more than usual, without realizing so. 

Surely, there are others who are missing their office life and may be finding it difficult to concentrate at home. However, the pandemic has forced them to switch to the alternate life for good. Of course, not all work can be done from home; a lot of professions entail travelling. Factory workers have to go to factories. Those who are into public dealing or sales or marketing have to move. But there are a lot many who really don’t have to move so much.

The message is clear. While office life can’t be written off, work from home is there to stay. It should be taken more seriously than before. Perhaps some combination of both should be used wherever possible. Even those who are on the move can be asked to spend some quality time thinking and planning. That won’t just increase productivity but will also enhance the quality of human life.

The Corona Reset

Never has news been so predictable. Before I read the newspaper or begin watching news on TV, I know for sure what its contents are going to be. It appears that everything else which mattered just a few days ago no longer matters. What about the US–China trade war? Or Brexit problems? Or the Venezuelan crisis? Or the problems of migrants in Europe? Nobody is talking about anything but Covid-19. 

And that’s understandable as the corona crisis is indeed one of the most severe threats humankind has faced. You must do all that’s needed to protect yourself and your family. That includes staying indoors, washing your hands often and maintaining social distance. This is not the time to bring out the daredevil in you. Just follow the health advisories.

The stock markets world over have fallen dramatically. Needless to say that there are many opportunities out there, so get into buying mode. But more than that, use these times to reset your lifestyle. As we have been cut off from our daily lives, there is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reorganise ourselves. That includes developing useful habits and getting rid of the unproductive ones. 

For instance, currently, you would be forced to cut on your expenditure as there are no avenues to spend. Amazon isn’t delivering. Shops are closed. Hotels are out of service. You can’t travel. So, you can reset your spending behaviour. You can take a look at your investments. If you have been ignoring them, this is the time to reset that behaviour too. What about reading your book that has been lying there somewhere in your cupboard? How about watching some classics? Exercising? Meditating? There are many reset opportunities available today.

Sooner or later the old life will resume—deadlines, traffic, pollution, junk food, smoking, drinking, etc. I have come across videos showing how desperate some people have become because of the lockdown. Others are complaining of boredom. This too shall pass. But till that time, let’s put this time to the best use.