For those that know me well, you’ll know that my friends and family mean absolutely everything to me. I’m a real home girl at heart. With living and working in St Neots, and all of my loved ones living in Kent, I would frequently hit the M25 and head back home at weekends. But then Covid hit and the panic and anxiety set in…when would I see them? Will I be able to go home as much? Sure, I could form a “Support Bubble” with them, but I was terrified of putting them at risk.

My mental health was at an all-time low and, along with so many others across the country, I was not in a good place. I loved work and the friends I made there, but when we were put into lockdown it became very clear that living on my own in a 1 bed flat, 130 miles from home was isolating and very lonely. 

But then around September/October time, Zitko introduced the “Working from Anywhere” policy and I cannot stress to you enough how much of a difference this has made to my life personally and professionally! Without a doubt it saved me! I was finally able to move back home, to be closer to my family and get the support I needed to get better, whilst continuing to do a job I love and still be a part of the Zitko family.

The whole process has been amazing. Zitko made sure that I had absolutely everything I needed to be able to work effectively, from equipment to technology they have provided it all. In addition to this we also have access to a Personal Trainer which has been a godsend! When I was working in the office, I would make every excuse under the sun not to work out…I was too busy or I didn’t have enough time in the mornings or I was too tired after work, but with the flexible working approach we are trusted to do our job between the hours of 7am and 7pm so no more excuses! It has had such a positive impact on my mental health, as well as making me still feel like part of the team joining everyone on Zoom 3 days a week for our virtual classes.

Of course, I miss being in the office everyday surrounded by my friends and colleagues, but that’s the other brilliant thing about this policy…I’m still able to travel up to the office whenever I want to, no questions asked and Zitko fully support me with this. It really is the best of both worlds!