Why a Balance Between Both is Exactly What We Need
As I write this, we’re approaching the five-year anniversary of when COVID-19 turned the world on its head, forcing businesses to embrace remote work at lightning speed. Half a decade later, and articles debating over whether we truly need to return to the office – or if we can do the job just as well from home – continue to fill my feeds. But who’s in the right? The WFH crowd or the office advocates? Having experienced the full spectrum – full-time in-office, full-time WFH, and now working with Yakkazoo’s hybrid model – one thing is clear to me: balance is key.
Last year, I came across this article by Thinkerbell’s “chief thinker”, Adam Ferrier. It was a follow-up to his previous opinion piece that sparked controversy in 2022 with WFH loyalists flocking to the comments section to shoot down Adam’s arguments in the name of 8:55 wake-ups and pajama-bottom video WIPs. And who can blame them? I’m no stranger to the comfort of WFH luxuries – slow mornings, home-brewed coffee on the stove, being able to walk the dog after sunrise, and squeezing in a load of laundry before the weekend hits.
Doesn’t sound half bad, does it? And there’s more…
The daily commute becomes a thing of the past. You save a tonne on public transport fees and takeaway coffees, and it’s often easier to tackle those tasks that require deep concentration without the usual office interruptions. And for my introverted homies, parents with young kids, or anyone trying to balance multiple responsibilities, the flexibility of WFH is more than just a perk – it’s a much needed lifeline that helps balance work and personal lives.
But as much as WFH offers freedom, it does come with its own challenges.
Before joining Yakkazoo, I was freelancing as a content producer. Most of my work took place from my home office, and unless I was on-site for a shoot or meeting with a client, I’d be working from home, alone (mostly 🐶). I loved the freedom and flexibility, but on quiet days where I didn’t have much work on, or the long days when the grind was real, I would feel the isolation.
Too often, I’d find myself nipping out to grab a coffee, heading to the shops, or getting lunch out, just so I could be around other humans (there’s only so much conversation you can get out of a dog). The line between “work” and “home” started to blur and my 8-hour working day would often stretch to 10 or 12 hours. From chats I’ve had with my freelancer peers, I wasn’t the only one feeling this way.
Fast forward to the present day and my situation looks very different. Working with Yakkazoo’s hybrid model – three days in office, two days at home – I’m experiencing office life once again, and here’s what I’ve taken away so far.
First, there’s the commute. I can’t say I enjoy being crammed on a peak-hour packed train or walking in the rain. There’s a packed lunch to think about – unless you’re happy to shell out $20 for a sandwich. I also start the day earlier and get home later which noticeably stretches out the ‘work day’ leaving less time for personal responsibilities.
But I’ve found that the office isn’t just about the commute and meal prep. For me, it’s a welcome change of scenery which has a huge impact on my mindset. It’s where I can feel like I’m part of something bigger than just myself and my home computer. As someone working in the creative industry, that change of environment, greater sense of connection, and opportunity for collaboration, is huge.
Yakkazoo shares their office space with a number of VMG’s other agencies.
For me, this provides the opportunity to network outside of my immediate circle and connect with people I wouldn’t usually talk to. The space itself is very open and welcoming, and you won’t find me complaining about the office perks – fully stocked snack drawer, fruit bowl, beer and wine on tap! I have to give it to VMG – they’ve gone the extra mile to make office life enjoyable and fulfilling for its employees, creating an environment where we can thrive both personally and professionally.
Before joining Yakkazoo, I was fully leaning on the side of WFH, but I don’t think it comes down to one or the other. Some days, you need that time at home to focus, to handle personal responsibilities, or even just to recharge without the office noise. Other days, the office offers an energy that just can’t be replicated from your living room.
A few days in the office to bounce ideas off teammates, hash out creative challenges, and build relationships, balanced by a few days at home where I can dive deep into work without the usual distractions. Perhaps it’s about using each environment for what it does best.
At the end of the day, whether I’m WFH or WFO, the goal is the same: Do good work, in the best way possible. And sometimes, that means changing up the scenery to keep myself at the top of my game.
James Whaler
Content Producer