By: Jordan Banks

‍

“But I don’t want to work at a desk the rest of my life.” Those were the words I said to my academic advisor as I sat in her office waiting to sign the papers to officially become a PR major.

‍

The fear of being confined to a desk and, as my grandfather used to say, "selling my soul to corporate America," lingered in my mind. While my grandfather's words may have been hyperbolic, I was worried that once I entered the workforce, I would have to sacrifice my love for travel and exploring new places.

‍

That’s why when I began my job search as I was nearing graduation, I was focused on finding a company that truly aligned with my goals. This included a flexible hybrid or remote work schedule that allowed me to travel while working.

‍

One of the things I enjoy the most about working at Slide Nine is our flexible work-from-anywhere model. I’ve made the most of this policy several times this year and most recently worked from New York City for a week. Here are a few of my takeaways from putting our work-from-anywhere policy to use.

‍

1. Change of scenery sparks creativity. I’ve noticed that a change of scenery makes a major difference when it comes to my creativity. Being in a new environment truly changes your perspective, and this has helped me generate new ideas and look at things differently.
2. Nurturing connections beyond work. Connecting with friends outside of work is good for the soul. During my time in New York, I got to meet up with friends in the city after work and on the weekends. This time allowed me to fill up my cup when I would normally be stuck in my typical after-work routine.
3. Positive impact on mental health. As someone who often struggles with their mental health, I have noticed that working from anywhere improves my mental well-being. This is especially important during the winter months. Having the option to work from a warmer location during the winter helps combat seasonal affective disorders.

‍

It’s also important to remember that you’ll need the right resources to get the most out of your work-from-anywhere policy. Here are a few things I recommend you consider to ensure you’re able to deliver the best work possible for your team and clients.

‍

1. Stable internet connection. Having access to stable internet allows you to stay on top of your work while also staying connected to your team members. When looking for a place to work in a new city, make sure your location has a strong internet connection. Or perhaps invest in a mobile hotspot.
2. A quiet area to take calls. There’s nothing more difficult than having to scream over a coffee grinder in a café; trust me, I’ve been there. Having a quiet area to take calls helps limit distractions and allows you to stay focused on whoever you’re talking to.
3. Ensure company privacy. It’s important to have company and client privacy at the top of your mind while working in a new place. This often means working with my back toward a wall so no one can see my computer screen. If that’s not possible, another option is to use a magnetic privacy screen to protect confidential information from wandering eyes.

‍

One of the many benefits of working at Slide Nine is our work-from-anywhere policy. If you think you’d be interested in joining our team, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn to find current openings.