Personally, remote working has allowed me to better use my time as well. While the lines are become a bit more blurred between work and personal (a real challenge when I now walk by my "work" office 24/7!), the elimination of a commute has definitely allowed me to commit a bit more to work and a bit more to myself and my family. Like you, I've saved some money as well. I haven't bought coffee outside my home since March and I realize it hasn't killed me! I think that's a trend I'll keep going. I've taken up some new hobbies as well.
On the work front, interestingly enough, it has helped me connect with my team in ways that didn't happen while we were all in the office. Personally, we have done some team building exercises and other collaborative virtual events that have allowed is to become a tighter knit group. Also, the need to reinvent and pivot the work and focus of those who previously were primarily focused on office based tasks has also allowed people to learn new things, and helped me to better identify everyone's strengths, weaknesses and interests.
We too are looking at what things might look like when the offices re-open, which includes re-evaluating as a whole the firm's culture and position on remote work. I anticipate that many of us that can do our jobs from home may be encouraged to continue doing so now that we've proven we can be effective. We will no doubt have to do some sort of staggered approach to people being in the office since the close quarters people sit in aren't conducive to social distancing (not going to work with 5 people crammed into a small room!).
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Leigh Isaacs
Firmwide Records Manager
Orrick Herrington Sutcliffe
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-27-2020 11:04
From: Maria Richardson
Subject: What has Remote Work Done for you?
Since the onset of the Pandemic, remote work has allowed me to save money and use my time a more wisely. Some examples are the savings in gas (and other types of transportation, like parking permits and train tickets), gym memberships, food and even coffee. With those savings I plan to take care of some home repairs. Not to mention being able to catch up with relatives that wouldn't be possible otherwise. I've been able to spend the time I would be traveling to/from the office on projects that needed attention. There are talks of blended work schedules going forward due to social distancing, do you plan to incorporate anything you've learned in the past months going forward?
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Maria Richardson
Records Manager
Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler
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