Over four years ago, most people wouldn’t even consider getting any errands done during their working hours—mostly because they were in an office, five times per week.
But the pandemic has changed the way we work and now about a third of Americans work remotely full time. However, a recent study has found that Gen Z-ers prefer some type of hybrid work—like Lulu Davidson.
The 21-year-old PR assistant recently went viral on TikTok for answering a video call from her manager Lucinda Bayly while getting her hair washed in a salon.
Newsweek has since spoken to Davidson about the clip that has racked up 2.2 million views.
TikTok/@lucindybean
She said: “I do run errands when I work from home, I think everyone does, even if they don’t admit it. I’m definitely not getting my hair done every day; that was quite a unique errand I chose that particular day.
“As long as you’re getting your work done, I don’t see the harm.”
Other TikTok users who commented on the original video couldn’t imagine being so honest with their employers, even though Davidson’s boss was able to find the humorous side of the situation.
One user said: “This must be nice. My boss has something smart to say when I worked from my kitchen and not my office.”
Another wrote: “I’m scared to do laundry when I [work from home] I admire this.”
Davidson, from Brisbane, Australia, told Newsweek: “I’m not shocked at all that some people hide what they’re doing from their boss. I think it’s sad that some people manage their businesses so strictly.
“I think that people need to realize that if you have mutual trust and respect with your managers, then employees will be more inclined to work harder and do better, because their work-life balance is healthier.
“We spend the majority of our lives working, not everything needs to be so closely micromanaged.”
Davidson explained that she actually changed the phone call into a video one as she knew Bayly would laugh.
She added: “We have a great relationship and banter, I knew they’d find it funny, and then we could get down to business.
“Being able to do this reflects how safe and comfortable I feel with Lucinda. She trusts me and I trust her. It makes me respect her, and I want to work harder for her because of this. I genuinely care about BAYLY PR as if it were my own business because of this level of trust and respect.”
Davidson explained that she could probably work from home every day, but she decided not to because she wanted to see her colleagues.
Speaking about hybrid work, she told Newsweek: “I think that having the option to work from home is incredibly beneficial for employees. Everyone has extremely busy lives, and the world is changing. Some days it is necessary to just be alone at home to grind out work without distractions.
“Also, with the cost of living, driving to work every day and paying for petrol, parking, food, etc. isn’t feasible for everyone.
“People’s schedules are changing and WFH [working from home] allows you to have the space and time you need to work on a schedule that best suits you, in the environment of your choosing.”
Working from home certainly has its benefits, but being in an office is also beneficial, especially for those who are just starting their careers.
David Lewis, the CEO of human resources consulting firm OperationsInc, previously told Newsweek: “In most offices, the youngest employees and recent grads are learning as they go, given their lack of experience, and that learning comes from being exposed hourly to others who are more experienced. The remote work revolution has robbed many of this critical learning opportunity.”
Have you had a workplace dilemma? Let us know via [email protected]. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.