Why The Home Boardroom Is Here To Stay: And How Executives Can Reap The Benefits

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Due to the impact of COVID-19, the world of work has had to evolve faster than ever before and working from home is the now more common, even at executive level.

Now many want to keep up the benefits of working from home, including less commuting and more time with their families. Premium health insurer Bupa Global, in its Executive Wellbeing Index, found that more than half of board level global executives do not plan to return to the same fast pace of life following the pandemic[i].

So, what are the upsides (and the challenges) to long-term home working? And how can executives look after their mental health when home lives and work lives collide?

A better work-life balance

For many executives working from home encourages a better work-life balance – where the pressures of long commutes disappear, and our families are closer. Indeed, according to Bupa Global’s latest research, 16 per cent of executives will now discourage work outside of working hours in a bid to improve the work-life balance.

The research from Bupa Global also shows that travel will diminish, even after the pandemic. Many executives who had spent an average of 48 days abroad or away overnight from family prior to the pandemic are now planning to reduce business travel both for personal and environmental reasons. One in four (26 per cent) plans to stop all time spent away from home in the coming year.

Staying connected

At work, many of us report that the connections we make with colleagues inspire us, help us succeed and keep us happy and fulfilled.

Dr Vandenabeele says that these social connections are important to maintain, in order to preserve our sense of identity. “This can be done by ensuring you have daily (and ideally at a similar time) periods whereby you go out of the house and engage with the world but also ensure that some degree of social connections with colleagues is maintained.”

Long term solutions

The changes we’re experiencing are leading to a better future, according to Sheldon Kenton, Managing Director of Bupa Global, “The changing way we do business, a chance to reflect on our familial as well as environmental responsibilities, helps set a blueprint for greater wellbeing in years to come.”

Indeed, some experts believe that the future will be more of a hybrid of remote and in person working, with a focus on getting the balance right at an individual level.

Your Partner In Health

As a Bupa Global Private Client, your health is our only priority. Giving you confidence when it matters most and helping you to stay at your best, all year round.

Our Ultimate Health Plan is the highest level of cover available from Bupa. From day one, your personal health consultant will manage all aspects of your wellbeing. Beginning with a personal consultation in the comfort of your home, office or virtually to ensure your private patient journey is perfectly tailored to your needs and schedule. From helping you to choose the right consultants across the globe, to booking appointments on your behalf or arranging independent clinical guidance.

To experience more from your health insurance, arrange a personal consultation with our Private Clients team on 0333 455 1522 or visit bupaglobal.com/privateclients

Calls may be recorded. Bupa Global is a trading name of Bupa Insurance Limited and Bupa Insurance Services Limited. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Bupa Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

[i] Bupa Global’s Executive Wellbeing Index, Sept 2020: https://www.bupaglobal.com/en/your-wellbeing/inside-bupa/wellbeing-index