Working from home (WFH) definitely has its perks and has been a major benefit to many people’s lifestyles. A greater work-life balance, less commuting, and being able to work in seriously comfortable track pants on select days has been a welcome change for many Aussies. Yet, there are many surprising benefits of being in the traditional office space too.
Working from the office means you can enjoy office perks like grabbing a fresh cup of coffee, catching up on office goss, and even pop out to the local market during your lunch break. But, not only that, it can also be a great way to save on your energy usage at home.
Office days
Support a local cafe
Do you remember the days of working in an office, ducking out and grabbing a coffee or a snack? Those were the days. In fact, they don’t even need to be a thing of the past. The only thing that beats a yarn with a nearby barista, is the platonic, name-remembering relationship you’ll cherish. Many cafes around offices and traditional thoroughfares had it really tough during the pandemic, so they’ll be grateful for your patronage. And it could do a world of wonders for you too. Getting some fresh air and moving around can clear your think tank, leaving you feeling refreshed, replenished, and of course (and most importantly) – caffeinated.
Save on food miles
Seriously, how good is striking up a conversation with a passionate shopkeeper, learning about what fresh produce is in season, or simply having a chinwag about a cracking idea for that evening’s dinner? Whilst you’re in the office and out-and-about, why not make the most of it and head to the local market and do your grocery shop. You’ll be saving on food miles too. But wait, what are food miles, you ask? Food miles refer to the distance produce is transported from the time it’s picked until it reaches you, the customer.
So, by going to the local market – where food has come straight from the growers – you’re being environmentally conscious by reducing food mileage, and therefore reduce the amount of emissions it takes to transport your ingredients. Fill up on some delish delights, perhaps invest in a fancy jar of manuka honey, and foster some engaging relationships with small-business owners.
Turn a long lunch into a long dinner
It can be a real vibe – especially on a Friday – to make plans with friends or co-workers (or your work besties) to celebrate the end of the week with a nice meal and few cheeky beverages. It’s an exciting prospect that once all your work activities are finished, you can let your hair down and sink into some fun, and un-work-related banter with good work-related company. It’s like a decompression session with mates to prematurely start your weekend. And there’s plenty of bartenders, chefs, waiters, and restaurant owners who’d love to host you and your crew for some nibbles and knock-offs.
Bring your pet into work
Depending on what protocols your workplace has, why not bring a furry friend into the office? We’re not talking about George who comes by fortnightly to water the indoor plants. We’re talking about dogs, mostly. Most folks love their presence, and instead of being home alone they’ll get more love and attention than a free slice of pizza. It also gives you a great reason to pop out and have a stroll, taking them with you for walks around the block. And these licking legends could even fulfil a casual role as Positive Vibe Keeper in the office, raising spirits and lifting morale. Never underestimate the power of your pawed pals.
Schedule in some ‘you-time’
There are a surprising amount of hairdressers, nail salons, gyms and spas around offices. Why not save on mileage and squeeze in an appointment in your lunch break? Whether it’s getting glam with a primo pedicure, or donning the shorts and working out like the modern day Hercules that you are, you’ll feel like a proverbial butterfly hatching from a cocoon when you return to your desk.
WFH days
For those days you’re working from home, check out these WFH (Wonderful Fascinating Hacks) to help keep your energy usage down.
Catch up on your washing
One excellent component of WFH is it enhances your opportunity to do essential chores. Tasks you might otherwise be too tired to tackle after a busy day in the office. Like doing your laundry. Chucking on a cycle as you work is an excellent way of cleaning your dirties. It’s also an amazing chance to earn some serious brownie points if you’re also doing it for a partner, housemate or family member. Pro tip: setting your cycle on cold, or under 40°C, is good for the planet and a great way of reducing your energy usage.
Get something stewing
We live in a fast-paced world. But not everything slow is bad. Take the slow-cooker for instance. They play a role. And that role is being an authority on tasty bites. A legendary unsung appliance in the kitchen cupboard, these devices can assist in whipping up delicious stews and outrageous osso-buccos – at an alarmingly slow pace. Perfect for the 8 hour work day. If you’re handy in the kitchen, or want to test your prowess as a culinary champion, try slow-cooking your dinner while you work.
Fun fact: slow-cookers are also incredibly versatile and use less energy than standard ovens. Bon Appétit you beautiful energy conscious chef!
Plug into an energy-saving power board
Consider using an energy saving power board for all your work related tech. Connect your main appliance, which could be your computer, to the ‘master socket’ and then connect other appliances (like monitors, printers, charger and lamps) to the ‘slave sockets’. When you turn your computer off, power to the other units shuts down automatically, which makes sure that power is not wasted on appliances that are left on but not being used. If you leave electrical appliances turned on at the wall they’ll continue to use energy, so put everything on one power board and make it easy for yourself to flick off one switch at night.
Temper your temperature
Heat yourself before heating the space around you. If you normally use a ducted heater to warm your home, try warming yourself up first so you don’t have to crank up the heater so high. If you’re using a heating or cooling system in your home office during the day, try heating or cooling only the area you’re working in. Close doors, use curtains, blinds and draft stoppers to limit your office energy use to a single room.
Setting your heat to 18-20°C is another simple way to reduce your energy use. Each degree over 20°C uses around 10% more energy. When it comes to cooling your home office, the ideal temperature to set your air-con to is 24°C or higher. Each degree under uses 5% more energy.
Keep tabs on your usage
If you have a smart meter, you can track your usage in our app, so that you can see what you’re using and when. Download our app on Google Play or via the App Store. You can also keep an eye on your energy usage in My Account. If you don’t already have access, you can register right here.
Check your energy plan
If you haven’t updated your plan in a while, head over to our Compare Plans page to check you’re on the best deal that suits your needs. Switching to another plan could save you money.
