Working from home

[okgo]

So this may come as the norm for many, but for me today is the first time I think that I've been allowed to do my job from home because I need to be in for a collection.

However, I was wondering do you think there is a stage of ones career where its fair to ask for a day or two a week working from home? My job can be done from anywhere with a computer, a phone and a notebook, but I do need to be in town a few days a week.

I'm fairly new to the company, so I doubt its something I can demand any time soon, but it just strikes me as something that drastically improves the work life balance. Don't get my wrong, I don't mind the office at all but I can already feel that I will get so much more done here due to limited distraction, and toast and coffee on tap.

[Podie]

okgo said:

...I can already feel that I will get so much more done here due to limited distraction, and toast and coffee on tap.

He says... sat posting on PH...

[okgo]

Honestly, my normal work/internet balance is much worse than it is this morning haha!

[thetapeworm]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co_DNpTMKXk

[hornetrider]

thetapeworm said:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co_DNpTMKXk

I don't even need to click on this link, as I know it's the Mitchell & Webb clip - right?

[thetapeworm]

hornetrider said:

thetapeworm said:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co_DNpTMKXk

I don't even need to click on this link, as I know it's the Mitchell & Webb clip - right?

Indeed, I think it's compulsory in these threads.

I've worked from home for some time now, generally I find I work longer hours, take less breaks and get more done. It's probably my own paranoia but I also feel that if I'm not available the instant someone tries to contact me then I'll be branded a slacker.

The nature of my work means that if I was in an office it would only be somewhere for me to sit and then connect remotely to do my work anyway but I do miss being around actual people sometimes... until I go in for a meeting and remember most of them are knobs.

[rog007]

Plenty of PH threads covering this topic, as well as published research on office based Vs distributed working practices. It really depends upon your role, your organisation, the sector and your outputs. If the stars align, then working remotely can indeed add value. What normally holds most organisations back from venturing in to this too far is the lack of confidence and skills of managers who then have to lead a team that they cannot always see. It can be done, but needs a degree of trust and confidence, something not always available in many organisations sadly. Good luck!

[BMWBen]

If it's the norm in the office that people work from home whenever, then as soon as you're settled enough to work from home without it buggering things up, work from home

[Pothole]

okgo said:

So this may come as the norm for many, but for me today is the first time I think that I've been allowed to do my job from home because I need to be in for a collection.

However, I was wondering do you think there is a stage of ones career where its fair to ask for a day or two a week working from home? My job can be done from anywhere with a computer, a phone and a notebook, but I do need to be in town a few days a week.

I'm fairly new to the company, so I doubt its something I can demand any time soon, but it just strikes me as something that drastically improves the work life balance. Don't get my wrong, I don't mind the office at all but I can already feel that I will get so much more done here due to limited distraction, and toast and coffee on tap.

Why would you be 'demanding' anything?

[madmover]

Often i think many companies would see the logic behind it depending on the employee concerned. I prefer it as I have less distractions and what not but part of me does miss the office banter at times etc. Definitely prefer my home days though....dont miss sitting a hour in a traffic jam every day...

[Puggit]

I eat less at home. There's a vending machine in the office which calls to me when I'm bored. There are precious few snacks at home!

[AyBee]

Never done it myself but would certainly allow me an extra hour in bed which would be nice Will probably try asking when the olympics starts since I can't be bothered with all the extra people I'll have been there for 18+ months then so hopefully they won't mind!