Officeworks: work-life balance

Officeworks: work-life balance

The research shows that employees are not taking the initiative to negotiate flexible conditions, despite 70% believing it would improve their work life balance.  But shockingly, almost 80% of those not currently working flexibly have never raised the issue with the boss.

In another interesting turn, while mums of young children are seen as the stereotypical flexible worker, the study revealed that men (65%) are in fact more likely to be working flexibly than women (59%), potentially indicating their ability and initiative to negotiate flexible terms.

Officeworks' Flexible Working advocate Anthony Licuria from APL Photography knows the importance of needing to work flexibly, shooting on the go between Melbourne and Sydney consistently. Here he's shared his top 10 items from the Officeworks range to help you work flexibly:

Your laptop – in this day and age, being able to take your work with you is essential.

A laptop sleeve - be sure to choose a sleeve with pockets or zips to store your internet dongle inside so it is never forgotten.  - We love the Nifteen Big Swivel Laptop sleeve - $36.95 or the Ampersand Leather Range Sleeve - $79.95

A laptop backpack or carry bag – perfect for storing away key essentials while on the go. – Try the Zoomlite Parker Messenger ($179) or the Ampersand Leather Tote ($169) for a leather look, or the Zoomlite Beige Canvas Range of bags - $79.95

A large SD card – often we're required to work away from the server, so back up your work on an SD card to avoid slowing your computer down. -  Stay on top of storage with the SanDisk 16 GB Ultra Memory Card - $13.00

A diary - to plan your time and appointments in order to work most effectively. - We love the Ampersand A5 Week to View 2016 Printed Woodgrain Diary - $22.95

Noise cancelling headphones – suitable for working in busy places outside the office. – Try the Beats urBeats 2 Earphones - $129.95

The Samsonite Mobile Office – this is the perfect interstate travel buddy as it is durable, spacious, and fits in overhead luggage! – We love this Samsonite Business Collection Mobile Office in Black - $339.00

A portable charger – when operating many devices you need to ensure you don't run out of juice! – The Mophie Juice Pack Reserve Portable Charger will be your new BFF - $10.00

A leather phone case with business card storage – you'll never be caught off guard without a card, and you'll protect your phone.  – The 3SIXT Premium Leather Wallet in Brown is a favourite - $39.95

And of course, it's important to have a phone that doubles as a wireless hotspot – not all cafes have wireless, but you can use your phone that!