A relative of mine has my dream set up for her office. She works from home. Jealous, yes.
My current position requires a phone, computer, desk, stapler, 3-hole punch, Post-Its and of course meetings. On non-meeting days, I would much prefer a home office near a coffee pot flowing with non-office grade coffee (I’m a serious coffee snob). I have to wonder, as my cubicle is in a vacated hall, why in the world is this not an option? ESPECIALLY DURING A BLIZZARD!!!!
While I understand that I work in a fast paced production environment, the majority of my work is completed via my laptop and phone. I will soon be moving to a building completely removed from the items that I purchase. I do want to attend meetings, participate in projects, but I also want to concentrate on the daily tasks that I am required to accomplish to keep material on the shelf. One day at home, in a comfortable atmosphere, would really allow me to eliminate certain distractions and get the more tactical tasks completed. In a time of layoffs, limited raises and a poor economy, I realize that employee satisfaction isn’t a top priority for companies. But, I do believe offering the option to work at home or even a more flexible work schedule (4 day work week) would help to improve morale for employees working hard to maintain the same level of service provided a year ago with two times the number of employees.
Am I the only one who feels that there should be more opportunities for working from home?
Does anyone out there work from home? If so, are you productive? Do others feel the option to telecommute should not be an option? Please share!!
Who is this relative of yours?
I do work from home, and I’m very productive there. In fact, when I go into the office, my productivity goes way down. People stop by my desk to chat, I seek people out for information, and the computer is way slower.
At home, I have two huge screens, a nice aluminum keyboard and trackball mouse, and a 5.1 speaker system. I listen to classical, jazz. Bossa nova, chill and downtempo. If I have a meeting, it’s a conference call (had 4 today).
If my kids were younger than they are (12, 10), I wouldn’t ge able to work with them there. Even as it is, with them around on snow days like this week takes time out of my workday to check up on them, redirect them, etc.
Keep lobbying for what you want. The workplace is changing and they just may listen.
I will try to share photos of my office for your readers.
Keep up the good work!
– a lucky relative
I knew I’d get a comment from you w/this post!!
Thanks for your feedback. I would love to think that this could be an opportunity for me in the future, but I don’t have high hopes yet. I know I would never get anything done w/my adorable 2 year old and awesome 11 year old here, but just me, I could accomplish a ton. Can’t wait for pics. I love pics of office spaces and organization ideas!!