Stormy Seas Ahead? HURRICANES ARE COMING — AND THAT’S OKAY S omething that sets The Welch Group apart has to be the sheer number of native Floridians on our staff. That’s an asset to you for a lot of reasons, but one that comes to mind this time of year is because it’s hurricane season, something we’ve been through since most of us were kids. That means we understand how scary it can be, especially if you didn’t grow up around it. We live in a uniquely wonderful place, but there’s no getting around certain weather conditions when you’re situated on a strip of land that has large bodies of water on both sides. And whether you’re here for the duration or worried about a second home or vacation property in Florida, those are weather conditions we need to plan for. The good news is this: If you’re reading our newsletter, you probably already know a thing or two about hurricanes and how to be prepared for the potential of property damage, which is something we make sure all our clients understand.
WHAT’S THE FUTURE OFWORK? In-Person, Remote, or Hybrid Workplaces
After more than a year of working remotely, the initial excitement of being able to work in your sweats probably wore off long ago. But this stint of remote work has shown many upsides: Productivity has increased. Eliminating the daily commute has been good for the environment, and workers are spending more time with their families, pursuing hobbies, or exercising. Having a more flexible work schedule has also meant there’s a better work-life balance for many working parents.
But for all the benefits, there are plenty of downsides, too. Many have struggled to set boundaries as the line between work and home has blurred, leading to overwork and burnout. Others complain about myriad distractions they face while working from home, especially those who don’t have a dedicated workspace and are also trying to help their children with virtual schooling. That’s not to mention potential tech issues, loneliness or alienation from coworkers, and increased barriers to effective collaboration. Yet, nearly half of those currently working remotely say they want to continue to do so 1–4 days per week even once it’s safe to fully return to the office. That’s led many employers to consider a hybrid model that incorporates remote and in-person work options. Publications like The New York Times and Forbes are touting a hybrid model as the way of the future. But what exactly would this look like? A productive hybrid work model wouldn’t simply mean workers come into the office a few set days a week. The smart approach, says Forbes writer Anna Convery-Pelletier, is to have employees come into the office for collaborative tasks and stay at home to work independently on tasks that require sustained focus and deep thinking. In-person meetings are especially good for “brainstorming sessions, introducing new projects, or team- building exercises,” Convery-Pelletier says. This focus on in-person collaboration may also mean that the office will look different when you return. Some businesses are opting to redesign their physical space to accommodate this kind of collaborative in-person work and eliminate costly individual work spaces now replicated at home.
The biggest element of that is flood insurance. As you know, in the state of Florida, a homeowner’s policy just isn’t going to cover
TAKE A BREAK
SOLUTION
Whatever the future of work holds, many workers will be happy to safely return to their workplaces and see their coworkers in person again, whether full time or just a handful of days a month.
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