Postcard from Anywhere

In a number of sectors, the notion of work and the way it is done has changed – this inevitable alteration was accelerated by both the COVID-19 pandemic and the digital revolution that essentially accompanied it. Some industries that require little in the way of customer interface have remained off site. Higher Education, though, has seen a return to campus – with some opportunity for hybrid and online delivery options.

My own work – overseeing three campuses across the country – lends itself to both WFH (home) and WFA (anywhere). As part of the routine, it is important to visit sites and interface with people – but most of the week is either online and/or hybrid.

See – Being there and being seen – all part of the new reality - https://www.ubss.edu.au/article/being-there-and-being-seen-all-part-of-the-new-reality/

Online options

My own institution - mindful of the regulatory framework - allows our postgraduate students to complete four subjects on line and six subjects for our undergraduate students – not surprisingly very popular. Throughout the pandemic period – all subjects were delivered on line with a preference to remain so (PG 97% and UG 98.5% in T2, 2023). With the mandated change – the concern was around student satisfaction – to my surprise the most recent (T2, 2024) being a whopping 4.4/5 – so much for my concerns.

 

See – Changes to the mode of delivery and the challenges ahead – https://www.ubss.edu.au/article/changes-to-the-mode-of-delivery-the-challenges-ahead/

 

COVID-19 devastated so many aspects of our lives at the time – but a number of spin offs have remained very useful – working from anywhere is one such concept.

 

See - What has COVID ever done for us - https://www.ubss.edu.au/article/what-has-covid-ever-done-for-us/

 

Technology

Having the right technology in place is essential if working remotely. Setting up an appropriate and ergonomic work space is fundamental to success. Good, strong WIFI is another essential ingredient.

It is well worth the trouble packing a familiar keyboard/mouse (preferably wireless); second monitor; and other supporting items that not only provide convenience – but also familiarity. In other words – as much of ‘the same’ as possible.

The combined use of email, phone, sms and ‘WhatsApp’ serves the purpose very well – especially for someone who is not interested in interfacing with social media per se.

The danger being – maintaining 24/7 access – when it is actually not necessary.

See – Travels with the greying nomad – an Italian adventure - https://www.ubss.edu.au/article/travels-with-the-greying-digital-nomad-an-italian-adventure/

 

Time zones

Small time differences (2-3 hours) are essentially easy to manage. More significant slots – 8-10 hours for example – take some managing and getting one’s head around. In the case of the latter some disciplines need to be put in place – and managed carefully.

It is useful to draw up a time schedule for ongoing reference and stick to it (requiring discipline). Essentially, to work from an -8-hour scenario two work slots are useful and need to be maintained –

8-11pm each evening – 4-7am next day (morning)

6-9am each morning – 2-5pm each afternoon

The timing works well – but does require discipline – arguing no more than if one was working in an office environment on site.

Hybrid meetings

Hybrid meetings have become part of our current operation – this is particularly poignant in a multi-campus scenario (Sydney/Melbourne/Adelaide) – and has been a consistent mode over a number of years now.

On reflection there are very few meetings held on a single location F2F. The usual blend is hybrid - requiring good connection and good quality equipment.

Digital nomad

The term ‘digital nomad’ was coined to explain the notion of working from any location (around the world for that matter) calling on the essential ingredients to make the work meaningful, efficient and effective.

As noted, WFA does not work in all sectors nor in all instances – but in some roles it is both manageable and appropriate.

For more about Working from anywhere (WFA) and the digital nomad (DN) see – https://www.ubss.edu.au/media/5251/working-from-anywhere-and-the-digital-nomad.pdf

Emeritus Professor Greg Whateley is the Deputy Vice Chancellor (UBSS) and Chief Executive (GCA).