Hybrid working is a mix of working from home (WFH) and working in the office – and according to recent studies1, it’s here to stay. 24% of us are working from home some of the time and 14% are working from home all the time.
During the Coronavirus, nearly half of all employees worked at home and for many this was our first experience of hybrid working. Now the restrictions have been lifted and most people are back at work but for many of us, WFH for part of the week is now the norm.
There are many benefits to hybrid working. For starters, it gives employees more flexibility and control over their work/life balance. It also allows businesses to save on office costs, as they don’t need to provide space for every employee all of the time.
The opportunity
How can you capitalise on the new trend? At St. George’s we have a holistic view of health and fitness, taking in both physical and mental health and wellbeing so if you’re newly at home several days a week, the Club could become your new best friend.
Hybrid working means (at least in theory) that you can save a lot of time in travel and travel prep. One study showed that the average worker can save up to 70 minutes per day on WFH days, with 9 of these minutes saved on personal grooming!2 This time can be recycled into exercise and relaxation time.
Try something new
Consider trying a form of exercise you’ve never tried before. Swimming, for example, is a fabulous way to stay in shape but is low-impact and also extremely relaxing! If you are not a confident swimmer, then take advantage of the swimming lessons for adults.
Or try out the fitness classes which include Zumba, Pump, yoga and Pilates.
If you’re concerned that you’re not getting enough fresh air, the outdoor gym is the answer. It combines the opportunity to spend time in the sunlight, boosting Vitamin D intake, with a great, vigorous workout. Win-win!
If you live locally to the Club, we’d encourage you to try walking here. The beautiful St. George’s estate is lovely at any time of year. Just 10 minutes of walking counts towards your recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise, and you’ll arrive with muscles warmed up and ready to go.
A new routine
Changes in work patterns are forcing us to rethink our routines. Studies show that health and fitness benefit from a regular pattern. Although we don’t recommend doing the exact same workout every day, we do recommend building a daily routine that incorporates exercise at some point. Speak to one of our personal trainers to build the perfect exercise regimen that’s customised for you. Now you are at home several days a week, it’s the perfect chance to visit the Club more often and take advantage of the facilities.
Looking after the kids
Many hybrid workers are also looking after children. Hybrid working could present an opportunity to get kids more involved in exercise and fitness. At St. George’s Hill LTC we have loads to offer youngsters, from mini tennis and junior tennis to junior squash. We believe every child should learn how to swim, so we’re also offering kids’ swimming lessons too.
The biggest challenge is probably how to look after kids in the holidays, especially the long summer break. That’s why we’ve created our holiday camps for kids, with an amazing and exciting programme of tennis, squash and swimming. It’s the perfect way to keep the kids active and entertained over summer.
Are there any downsides to working from home?
Unfortunately, as with most things, there can be downsides. Humans are social creatures and even the most introverted of us need company. Working from home without the usual interactions of the office or shop floor can lead to isolation.
We recommend making sure that you get out of the house at least once a day to see friends and neighbours. There’s no better way of doing that than with a visit to the club, of course. Have you experienced one of our social evenings, for example? They are the perfect way to wind down after a busy day at your desk!
Nutrition and healthy eating
With the time saved in not commuting to the office, there could be a chance to improve your nutrition. Having just a little more time to cook and shop could provide a great boost to healthy eating habits for you and the family. Many of us are getting re-acquainted with our kitchens (although fast food delivery services are also being more frequently used).
Sometimes cooking at home just isn’t what you want if you have been at home all day. If you haven’t yet experienced the varied and nutritionally balanced meals available in the Lake Room restaurant, you’re in for a treat! The Club Room is a fantastic place to bring a laptop and catch up on some emails in a relaxed atmosphere.
Altogether working from home should be considered a benefit. It’s a chance to spend more time with friends and family, and less on pointless, expensive commuting and travel. If you are now at home more days of the week, please do come down to the Club if you can and check out the facilities which we’re constantly working to improve. You’ll be welcome at any time.
