The Death of the Daily Commute

Picture your typical working day. The tenebrous early starts, the sombre footslogs to the station, the overpacked cheerless carriages, the disenchanted and generally misanthropic looks on the faces of your fellow commuters. And all of this before you even reach your place of work. Now imagine a world where none of this preliminary hardship was necessary. Where you arrived at work and it didn’t feel like you’d been run over by a bus. This seemingly hidden utopia can be affiliated to a phenomenon known simply as working from home.

Telecommuting doesn’t require any of the aforementioned trials and tribulations of getting from home to work and vice versa. Instead, you simply have to roll out of bed, switch on a laptop and you are (quite literally) in business. So why, in this so-called age of information and technology, do a vast majority of us still undergo the hassle that is the daily commute and is it really becoming obsolete, or can telecommuting be dismissed as yet another millennial fad?

The first and most obvious advantage of not working from a traditional office is the act of not commuting. Several studies have shown that the act of commuting for many individuals is the most stressful part of their day and thus can have adverse effects on both their mental and physical wellbeing. The added time constraints and travel costs associated with traditional methods of commuting are also large contributors to this same stress factor, one which is completely negated through telecommuting.

Another benefit which has become apparent for some people is the effect it has upon their ability to concentrate while working. A noisy workplace can be the ideal environment for many employees and can help in keeping them motivated and on track with their work. However, for some individuals, any ambience is bad ambience and can impact concentration levels and productivity in a more traditional work environment. These types would benefit massively from working from the comfort of their own home, where typical workplace distractions can’t affect them.

This doesn’t suit everybody though and you may find that for some people, the easement of the home provides too docile a setting, which is counterproductive for working and thus doesn’t offer the motivational and competitive atmosphere found in an office. Working in solitude can sometimes be lonely too, however what telecommuting does provide for some people is an escape from their bosses or coworkers who they may not necessarily see eye to eye with. That being said, most people would agree that working at one’s own pace is more ideal and can relieve a lot of pressure brought about by looming deadlines etc. In this case though, it is entirely down to individual preferences regarding whether you work better at home or in an office.

So for many workers, telecommuting could well be the future. With the average age of employees in the UK falling and with the rise of the millennial way of life, more emphasis is being placed upon flexibility around work. It isn’t entirely out of question that one day, commuters may be in the minority when compared to telecommuters. Many companies seem to be recognising this and have already invested heavily in telecommuting employees and have seen results.

Want to find out more about the goings on in the world of work? Search through our other blogs here and if you are looking for job opportunities, you can find our jobs page here!

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Navigating Career Crossroads: Your Guide to a Fulfilling Your Next Career Move!

12 Feb, 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of the professional world, many of us find ourselves at crossroads, contemplating a change in career or seeking new opportunities to ignite our passion.

September Surge – Our Top Tips for Job Seekers

by Shazamme System User • 07 Sept, 2023

Summer is over. September is here. For you lovers of the summer, this can often bring feelings of the blues, but September can represent a time for a fresh start. This time of the year can offer many opportunities for job hunters to find a new job that aligns with their skills, goals, and experience. Check out our top tips on how you can land your dream job this time around (and why you should work with Kelly). 1. Get Clear On Your Goals First and foremost, you must have a clear objective of what you want for your career. Searching for a new job can bring feelings of excitement and motivation but it can also be overwhelming for applicants. Having an idea of what industries, you would like to work in, the timeline in which you would like to find a job, and the companies you’re interested in will reduce those negative feelings but will also give you a sense of direction and focus. 2. Update Your CV The next thing you should look at is improving and updating your CV. Have you demonstrated your most valuable skills? Have you highlighted your most important accomplishments and achievements? Have you included your personal websites, business profiles, and your LinkedIn profile? These are some of the many things to consider when updating your CV. Job applicants should also keep in mind that you should adjust your CV for every job you apply for. You should customize your CV so that it reflects the job you’re applying for. 3. Work with a Recruiter Are you aware of the benefits of working with a recruiter? Recruiters are experts in the hiring industry. They can help save you a significant amount of time during your job search as they know exactly what jobs are available in the market and they can match you with a role that aligns with your experience. Recruitment consultants can help you improve your CV and cover letter as well as make sure you are prepared for interviews. If you would like to read more about the benefits of working with a recruiter, click here . September is an excellent time of the year to find that new opportunity that you have been longing for. By following these tips, you should be on the right course to navigate the job market and find a role that suits you. It’s important to stay positive during your job search as it can sometimes be a lengthy process. But just remember, the right opportunity can take time. If you would like assistance during your job search, please do not hesitate to reach out and email us at info@kellyservices. co.uk. Or click here to search our latest vacancies and apply today!

Change. How to turn your fear into fuel for a rocket move and wake up in a different reality.

28 Aug, 2023

Rephrasing the famous song, “Love is in the air”, let’s talk about change is in the air – and everywhere. We grow. We change. Look at your childhood photos. Watch your kid, your nephew, your niece. The change is there, and it’s incredible. Nature is constantly changing. We wait for summer as the time to enjoy outdoor activities and gardening, for a quick visit to the beach, or simply take time to relax and spend time with family, friends and loved ones. We wait for winter (even if we never see snow falling) to decorate the house for the holidays, pack presents for the people we love and unpack our own. The colour of the leaves changes, the weather shifts, and flowers blossom in their time – the landscape is constantly transforming. The world around us is changing. We travel to other countries and learn new things, cultures and languages. We take on new hobbies. We get new skills. After a couple of minor kitchen accidents (sometimes), we can cook delicious dishes and get compliments from family and friends. We transform our bodies at the gym or simply by creating the habit of walking every day. We meet new people, we sometimes fall in love, we build families, we have kids. And if you step back for a second, you realise you might have met your other half by pure accident. But you took a leap of faith into the unknown. We embrace many types of unknown change, except for the one that can change how we live five days a week – to change jobs. “I am too old/too young to change”, “I’m used to this environment; It’s my comfort zone”, “Well, I don’t get any promotion, and what I do doesn’t change the world, but it’s stable”, “I am afraid to ask for more interesting projects. What if my manager fires me?”. We often don’t want to change because that step requires a vision, courage, external support, and a leap of faith into the unknown. Scary? Yes. But also promising. A step into the unknown? Yes. But it can open a new door. Do your inner values marry what you do? Yes, it is essential. There is nothing terrible about staying in your comfort zone. At some stage of your career, staying put can be an excellent decision. But if you feel that you need a change – talk to Kelly. We don’t mind going the extra mile and support your wish to embrace the change. The one which will give meaning to what you do, feel proud, motivated and fulfilled. Ready for changing? We’ll make sure your talent can truly shine.