75 years of freedom

There you are, suddenly working from home like most of the Dutch people. That's a bit of an adjustment.

The focus is different... you miss the freedom to go wherever you want. If possible, you have to work from home. That's possible, so as an employer I feel obliged to do so. If you suddenly have to take care of your parents, and you still have a few teenagers at home, then it is difficult to keep the focus... 

Being forced to stay in your own home does give you the peace and quiet to reflect and to take a close look at your business (processes). I've been trying to work paperless at the office for years. That never worked out. Now, at home, behind a desk where I have much less space, have to empty my own trashcan and because of realising the paper consumption, I suddenly manage... I consider that as a profit in this period.

I don't drive anywhere, that's good for the environment as well. Alternative: video calls. That works fine. It is also very nice, besides bringing groceries, to keep in touch with parents on a daily basis. They aren't allowed to go outside at all, your world will become very small. Staying inside, that hasn't been required in the Netherlands for 75 years.

That makes you think. What if things return to normal? Will we fall back into our old habits? Or can I stick to a paperless office, make fewer kilometres and pick up the (video) phone more often? Do I keep calling my parents every day or do I think 'they'll be fine again'?

In any case, I will soon enjoy my freedom to the fullest!

Saskia Stender