I think the norm out there in the industry today is that it is acceptable to do work-from-home once in a while. For some companies it is ok to do more, but for others it is not encouraged.
I am wondering for companies that do not encourage WFH, what are some of the reasons behind it? The main reason I have heard so far is that “you need to be in the office to collaborate with others”, but I feel that is only an excuse. Maybe the real and only reason is that they don’t want you to slack at home while “working” from home?
For those who slack from home, it is obvious to see why WFH is not encouraged. But for people who are equally productive from home, why would company policy disallow them to WFH when there are no meetings to attend? Most of the time I will go to office, sit in front of my computer all day, and then leave at end of day, with little interaction with others none of which cannot be replaced by using some messaging software or the phone.
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@yMcg47 - scrum is just a waste of time and I don’t know any team doing it right. Best to scrap scrum and trust your engrs to do the right thing with their time.
I actually find it to be the complete opposite. When I work from home, I work from my home office and take less breaks because I’m in the zone. When people in the office are constantly walking by and stop in for the “5-10 minute chit chat” it interrupts my work and I need to refocus.
6-7 of those a day and that’s a waste of 30-45 minutes plus the time to refocus. Also, if your manager can “see” you, he/she is more likely to have you “stop by the office after lunch or before you leave for the day” and all that BS.
Out of sight, out of mind, let me do my work.
I am sorry you’re getting judged for my masturbatory habit
Maybe slacking off is more of a thing at certain companies.
Further, they cannot modify policies based on productive vs not so productive employees. So they just discourage it altogether.
And the screen sharing and signal bullshit consumes time too.
Although personally I don't agree with any of it.
One of the interesting drawbacks of working from home is the lack of human interaction and not having to wait for responses via IM or email. I think is okay to work from home several times a week but I would definitely want people to come into the office at least twice a week to interact with their teammates.
Companies not allowing WFH are the reason housing costs so much, because everyone wants to live close to work else have a horrible commute.
It's easier to collaborate with peers in office especially when you need to have discussions and use the whiteboard.
But if I'm just working on coding or writing a doc, then there are too many distraction in the office, thanks to open office plan. I prefer to find a conference room or work in another building to avoid other people instead of working from home .
4x / week = Collaborate at the office
1x / week = Productivity at home with fewer distractions
Doesn’t both seem opposite?