Surfing at 11am on a Workday? How Remote Work is Redefining Productivity

“Shouldn’t you be at work?”

This is the question that sparked a viral moment when a remote worker was filmed surfing at 11am on a weekday. The surfer, caught on camera, casually revealed he was “working from home” and still “getting paid”. This incident has ignited a conversation about the flexibility and trust inherent in remote work arrangements.

The Story Behind the Surf

Zalo, a 28-year-old expat living on the Gold Coast, was the one who asked the surfer the burning question. Having always been obsessed with the ocean, Zalo often wonders about the people he sees surfing during typical work hours. On a day off, he decided to find out who these people are and how they manage to enjoy such freedom.

The Reality of Remote Work Flexibility

Recruitment specialist Roxanne Calder weighs in, stating that the traditional 9-5 model was “broken long before we started working from our dining room tables”. She emphasizes that remote work offers the flexibility to manage one’s energy and focus in ways that traditional office settings cannot. However, she also warns against the “abuse of trust”, highlighting the importance of transparency and communication in remote work arrangements.

The Future of Work

The incident underscores a shifting paradigm in work culture, where output and productivity are becoming more valued than face time. Calder advocates for “adult-to-adult working relationships”, where clear expectations and honest conversations pave the way for a more flexible and trusting work environment.

This story is a testament to the evolving nature of work, where the lines between personal and professional life are increasingly blurred, and the definition of productivity is being rewritten.