Working From Home

[Sysman]

Yeah, we all believe that's because VAT receipts go missing.

No really, we do.

I can't think of a single other reason.

• Girlfriend who liked international phone calls (only one phone, and that was in the office)
• Friend who was staying tried to break into my computer
• Cleaner who doesn't understand computers and gadgets

[sasguru]

WFH is fine as long as you don't have kids of (pre)school age, because productivity slumps when mothers with their shrieking brats materialise in the house at around 15:30 hrs, and despite requests to keep out of the office/study, repeatedly come in to ask where so-and-so is or can I have (insert sugar laden item here) from the fridge?

That is why your home-office should be separate from the house. Mine is one of these:

Garden Studios | Sustainable Buildings | Garden Rooms/Offices/Housing - Ecospace Studios

Its completely self-contained - has a loo/shower, exercise equipment when you want a break and a bar for that end of day drink

[northernladuk]

Hmmm, It would appear investment in a "proper" office is in order - currently working in the dining room / laptop on my knee option.

It's how I've always WFH though so I'm thinking why change (except WFH is more commonplace now!)

Personally if I knew my guys had this set up at home I would not let them WFH. This is not conducive to getting good work done and is pretty unprofessional IMO. You cannot work better with your laptop on your knee for 8+ hours.

[Pondlife]

• Girlfriend who liked international phone calls (only one phone, and that was in the office)
• Friend who was staying tried to break into my computer
• Cleaner who doesn't understand computers and gadgets

Ok.

[lukemg]

I don't do much IN the office, but I would do a lot less WFH. I was hopeless at revising for exams, get bored very easily and there are too many distractions.

[Chaffinch]

Personally if I knew my guys had this set up at home I would not let them WFH. This is not conducive to getting good work done and is pretty unprofessional IMO. You cannot work better with your laptop on your knee for 8+ hours.

Personally, I think you'd be a NIGHTMARE to work for. If the work is getting done to spec, they can be on the moon for all I care.

Being a good manager includes determining the best way to make your team productive, a one-size (usually your own) fits all approach just doesn't work.

I will add that I resort to the knee usually after hours to catch up on work emails etc

[Pondlife]

I don't do much IN the office, but I would do a lot less WFH. I was hopeless at revising for exams, get bored very easily and there are too many distractions.

Hence you set up a dedicated working area rather than sat on the sofa in front of the telly.

[MCC7]

In my last job (perm) I was working from home 3 days a week - Lack of social interaction and urgency= lack of motivation and quality of work suffered. I got so bored in fact, I upped and went contracting!

I much prefer being in the office although I have just been "allowed" to WFH on Fridays, which is a bonus. I would say prodcutivity is based on how you feel on the day, WFH/the office tends to be irrelevant. If you feel motivated you'll work, if you don't - you won't! Simples.

Many friends assume that I sit in front of the TV all day when WFH and I can safely say that the TV never comes on. Which is odd and slightly sensible for me....Now where did I put that remote....

[Sysman]

Many friends assume that I sit in front of the TV all day when WFH and I can safely say that the TV never comes on. Which is odd and slightly sensible for me....Now where did I put that remote....

The first time I worked from home I found it hard to switch off and couldn't enjoy TV even in the evenings. This is where a dedicated office at home can help.

The next time I worked from home I took deliberate lunch breaks and did watch TV (Business Lunch?), with a proper meal. This worked much better.

[wobbegong]

That is why your home-office should be separate from the house.

That's the keyword.