3 Simple Tips for Navigating Daylight Savings in a Global Workplace
Assantewa HeubiWriter
Understanding daylight savings time a global perspective
Let's talk about daylight savings. Yes, it's annoying and archaic, but it impacts millions of people all around the world. You might have heard the term "spring forward, fall back." This is a mnemonic used to help people remember that the clocks change twice a year in North America, Europe, and parts of the Middle East.
The origins and purpose of daylight savings time
The idea behind daylight savings originated prior to our current industrialized age. The goal was to secure additional illuminated working time during an era when combustible lighting was not only the norm but also expensive. These days, however, we participate in daylight savings because stopping would be a big change that not everyone is ready for. After all, it's tradition to wake up at 2:30 and switch the clocks in the living room, kitchen, and office, so that your schedule doesn't crumble into chaos.
The modern debate should we abolish daylight savings
There have been discussions in many of the countries impacted by daylight savings about abolishing the practice; however, in most areas affected, this hasn't really happened yet.
Here's the thing: when you're working in a distributed environment with people in different time zones, daylight savings has a way of making everything just a little bit confusing. So, with this in mind, let's talk about things we can do to reduce the burden that daylight savings places on all of us.
Tips for navigating daylight savings in a global workplace
Ask colleagues about their countries' daylight savings schedule: If you're working with people in countries like France, Germany, or the United Kingdom, ask them when daylight savings starts and ends for them. This way, you'll have a heads-up, and plans can be made to account for the sudden change in time. This is a super simple action that will help make things smoother.
Utilize Cal.com's easy rescheduling button: If you learn that an appointment's time has changed due to daylight savings and it's no longer convenient, take advantage of Cal.com's easy rescheduling button. This option lets you simply and efficiently change the date and time of the appointment without any of the typical will-they/won't-they time-slot drama.
Use our built-in buffer time feature: Cal.com's buffer time settings can be found in the Limits section of your individual event settings. This feature lets you set a certain amount of time between each meeting. If you set a buffer time of 30 minutes, you'll at least have a chance to check your messages and learn if something's gone awry. This makes it easier to adjust plans, reschedule, and keep the day moving forward.
I hope these tips have helped. I know that daylight savings is occasionally infuriating and often tiresome. Cal.com understands this, that's why we're always striving to support our users so that scheduling can be easier even when life is complicated. Thanks for reading this article, and as always, happy scheduling.
