Today’s guest author is Irma Karpaviciute, Digital Marketing Executive at AVI-SPL Ireland.
The following article comes from Irma’s personal LinkedIn page. She has agreed to let us share her perspectives.
You may remember that our AVI-SPL UK & Ireland Dublin office was undergoing refurbishment. So, the entire office team was working from home full-time. After four months of remote work, boy, am I happy to be back!
I started asking myself: is this really working for me? Initially, the idea of cutting out my commute and being more present for my kids felt like a dream come true. However, as time passed, I realized that remote work just didn’t suit me. I’m an active, social person who thrives on face-to-face interaction, and being isolated from colleagues has been more challenging than I anticipated.
The blur of days: Same routine, different day
One of the biggest challenges of remote work is how monotonous it can become. Each day starts to blend into the next, following the same routine—work, meetings, kids’ activities, repeat. While my children and my French bulldog, Bella, enjoy having me at home, I can’t help but wonder if this setup is truly healthy for me. I often feel like I’m always “on,” with no clear separation between work and home life.
The loneliness factor of remote work
Over time, the isolation factor really set in. I missed the casual conversations, the spontaneous brainstorming, and the motivating energy of simply being around other adults. This experience has deepened my understanding of the ongoing debate about remote vs. office work. Everyone’s needs are different, and while some thrive in a fully remote environment, others, like me, benefit from the structure and in-person engagement of a hybrid setup.
Our Dublin office’s new layout is designed to foster better collaboration and communication, and I can’t wait to make the most of it. For further insights on this topic, check out my previous article, Balancing Work and Family Life: A Single Parent’s Experience at AVI-SPL, where I share how AVI-SPL’s flexible workplace model has allowed me to thrive both professionally and personally.
A broader discussion on office vs. remote Work
Everyone’s experience with remote work is unique. The pandemic drove many companies to adopt hybrid models, which attract talent by offering flexibility. Some employees find that remote work boosts productivity and work-life balance, while others, like myself, miss the social and collaborative aspects of the office. Regardless of where you work, clear communication and managed expectations are essential.
Reflecting on this, I recently came across a conversation from Steven Bartlett and Leo Harrison about how different setups work better for different companies. Leo leans towards hybrid for work-life balance, while Steven observes that it really depends on the nature of the business. Whether a company is best suited for remote, hybrid, or full-time in-office, they agree on one essential point: setting clear expectations is crucial. I believe it’s important to acknowledge that flexibility is key, as different companies have different needs.
What’s next for me?
After this four-month experience, I’m confident that I thrive best in a hybrid model. AVI-SPL’s flexible approach lets me embrace both worlds, balancing family responsibilities while still enjoying the in-office interactions that keep me motivated and energised. Hybrid work provides that sweet spot where I can maintain a healthy work-life balance without compromising productivity.
As the AVI-SPL Ireland office undergoes a design refresh, we’ll be working fully remote for the next few months. The AV/UC solutions we use have made this transition seamless and significantly improved my work-life balance. Feel free to drop me a comment or reach out if you’d like to discuss or share experiences. Stay tuned for more updates on navigating remote work and family life! 😉
Final thoughts on remote work
This journey into remote work has been eye-opening. While I genuinely appreciate the flexibility, I’ve also experienced the downsides of isolation and blurred boundaries. Every person has their own ideal setup—some excel remotely, while others flourish in the office. For me, the hybrid model offers the best of both.
In my next article, I’m excited to share insights on the incredible collaboration spaces and technology in our new office that enhance our work and help us thrive.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Has remote work been a game-changer for you, or do you face similar challenges? Let’s keep the conversation going!
