We are currently able to choose between different working models at Solita. While many people choose the hybrid model, combining office and remote work, some of us like to work from the office, and some prefer the remote model. Solita encourages people to show up at the office, but it also fully supports those who choose to work entirely remotely.
After the pandemic, virtual work has become the new normal. All of our meetings have a virtual option to join with Teams, and many of the social encounters like morning coffees have found virtual ways of functioning. Solita has also developed a satellite team, a community, particularly for those who work fully remotely.
In our case, we have different preferences and customer requirements, so each of us has chosen a slightly different model.
From remote work to full-time office model and everything in between
Minna utilises the hybrid model. She likes to take meetings from home in her own peace, but otherwise, she enjoys meeting people at the office. Social encounters make her feel empowered.
Marja also likes the hybrid option. She got used to working from home during the pandemic and started to enjoy it and now prefers to have the option to work from both destinations. On the other hand, she prefers to join meetings from the meeting rooms at the office since it makes her feel more present. Also, having a variety of lunch options and lunch company is something that she sees as a benefit when going to the office.
Ville works more from home, but he goes to the office usually once or twice a week. He works on projects that require working from safe rooms when dealing with confidential information. Ville also takes advantage of the leisure groups at the office, which is one of the reasons he enjoys going there. He plays foosball, and there are many fellow players at the office. Solitans are active with different communities (work-related or not), and that’s always a great reason to go to the office.
Nina prefers to work from the office full time. She finds the best flow there; she likes that Solita has created several different spaces at the office to choose from. Nina also prefers to have a clear distinction between workspace and home. Because she lives close by, it’s also convenient for her to walk to the office. On Fridays, there is breakfast available, which is again a great reason to show up.
Jake is the complete opposite of Nina, as he works fully remotely. He lives in Kuopio, where Solita has only recently opened a light office. However, Jake prefers to work from home and avoid the time spent commuting. He likes his morning exercise, and he picks up his daughter from the daycare. By working from home, he can be more efficient and avoid potential distractions at the office.
Balance can be a double-edged sword
We all recognise the pros and cons of these models. When working from home, days can accidentally become longer. We end up sitting by the laptop and don’t necessarily even realise that it’s getting late. On the other hand, flexibility makes it easier to combine work and personal life. Ville, who has kids, is hovering between work and family tasks and found a good way to combine those two.
The key is awareness; it’s important to remember to take breaks. The number of meetings has grown since the pandemic, making taking breaks challenging at times. We don’t have the visual cues of people walking toward the coffee machine at home either. But the lack of distractions can also support those whose focus requires peace and quiet. Working from home can be a dream come true when a deep focus is needed.
Sometimes we’ve had the experience that knowledge sharing can become more challenging in a remote setup. If you are learning from a colleague, it can be easier to be in the same space. On the other hand, remote work makes it possible to build teams over borders and locations. That is highly beneficial too.
While Solita provides equipment to those who work fully remotely, it also puts effort into attracting people to the office. It pays off to show up, as there are lots of perks at the office: free breakfast on Fridays, after-work beverages, and different events from smaller team events to hackathons. However, whichever model people choose, Solita supports it and pays attention to work safety and ergonomy.
The important thing here is that we have the opportunity to choose. It has an impact on our engagement but also on our work performance. As long as we take care of our meetings and deadlines, it doesn’t matter what time or where we get our work done. It’s about accountability and knowing what kind of work arrangement works best for each of us. And that’s how it should be for adult professionals.
Would you like to choose the way that you work too? Join our flexible community!
