The world of work has evolved rapidly in recent years, with alternative and flexible working patterns becoming increasingly normalised. These methods may be more effective for some sectors than others and can present significant leadership challenges, yet they also open up exciting opportunities.

Firefly’s CEO and founder, Kirsty Maynor, shares her insights on embracing alternative working patterns, offering tips for individuals trying them out, and advising leaders on how to support their teams:

"For a long time, I have embraced a flexible approach to work. I've worked in various coffee shops and co-working spaces, and recently I had the opportunity to work abroad. In the future, I want to be able to work and base myself in different places, such as the US, for a month at a time, so this was the perfect chance to test it out. Although I expected my previous experience with remote working to ease the transition, I was surprised by how a few days in Portugal impacted my schedule and work style.

Getting the balance right.

A short-term stay was challenging for me as I wanted to make the most of my time in Portugal. I wasn't prepared for how much I would want to change my working hours to enjoy the sunny environment. I now realize that longer stays would help me balance work and exploration without feeling rushed or compromising too much.

If you’re considering working abroad, think about the entire picture, not just the work aspect. Planning ahead in this regard would have been helpful for me. It's crucial to consider what you may want to do in this new setting. For me, that was enjoying lunch outside in the sun (not something we often get to do in Scotland!).

Having the right set-up.

Ensuring you have the right tech setup is essential. Wherever you are working from, I recommend checking the WiFi ahead of schedule to ensure it can keep up with demands like conference calls. It’s also worth considering other tech you might need. The lighting in my Airbnb wasn’t the best, so I ended up buying a portable ring light. Try to think ahead to what you might need and ensure all your bases are covered.

I also recommend creating a work packing list so you don’t forget anything important (note to self for next time!).

Focus on what works for you.

There are countless ways to experiment with remote working and alternate working patterns. For instance, I don’t schedule meetings on Fridays, which gives me the headspace for strategic thinking and an unscheduled day that my brain needs.

Think about where you do your most productive work. Some tasks I handle better at a coffee table with a good cup of coffee and just pen and paper, while others are more suited to my desk. Take time and experiment to see what enables you to do your best work.

Leading a flexible team.

If you lead a team, understanding what works for each member is crucial to ensure you get the most from everyone. Scheduling meetings in advance helps prevent any scheduling issues. If your team requires a lot of communication, it’s worth having set hours where everyone is online, like 1-3pm, and outside of that, people can work as they please. It can be tricky from a logistical and communicative standpoint, but often when people have the flexibility to work as they please, they are happier and more productive in the long run.”