Reply to: Working from home on Fridays?

[psychocandy]

It can definitely work both ways.
I had a phone interview at a large telecoms place in Newbury which went swimmingly. I asked about the possibility of working from home and it all went south from there. Ironically the interview was set up by a preferred supplier to this company who actively encourage wfh as it gives you time to get your head down and really get stuck into your work.
I'm now working for them and doing 2 days a week from home

Thats it. I'm always concerned that during an interview all a client cares about is the work. They dont care about you at all or your arrangements.

I just think that mentioning WFH or whatever can start alarm bells ringing in the clients head. Not that it should but some clients are like this.

[VirtualMonkey]

It can definitely work both ways.
I had a phone interview at a large telecoms place in Newbury which went swimmingly. I asked about the possibility of working from home and it all went south from there. Ironically the interview was set up by a preferred supplier to this company who actively encourage wfh as it gives you time to get your head down and really get stuck into your work.
I'm now working for them and doing 2 days a week from home

[Mupps]

Agree with what the others have said, I think that the client's big worry at the back of his mind is that while your at home he doesn't know how much time you'll be on facebook (or CUK!)

So you need to show to the client that you're not taking the michael first.

Nowadays I actually prefer to come in a few days a week because with the little ones at home at least I get a good nights kip at the travelodge.

Ha. me too! - it's nice to have a day off them from time to time isn't it

[Old Greg]

Did this for 8 years across a few contracts. I find that some clients don't mind it, some hate it.

I've never asked for it up-front at the interview, though. Always done a few months and worked it in from there.

WNS

It's easier to get a yes once you've proved your worth.

[NotAllThere]

At one interview, they proposed a four day week. I used to do the three hour drive on Monday morning, arriving at about 8:30am, generally leaving Thursday just after lunch. When you've nothing else to do, a 10-12 hour day isn't a problem.

[bobspud]

Agree with what the others have said, I think that the client's big worry at the back of his mind is that while your at home he doesn't know how much time you'll be on facebook (or CUK!)

So you need to show to the client that you're not taking the michael first.

Nowadays I actually prefer to come in a few days a week because with the little ones at home at least I get a good nights kip at the travelodge.

Forums are the least of a managers worry in the grand scheme of things. On average I could surf porn for 40-60% of my day at home and still be more productive than I am when I go to an office for the day.

Jason Fried: Why work doesn't happen at work | Video on TED.com

[nomadd]

What's the consensus on working from home on Fridays, or doing a crammed 5 into 4 day week?

I'm about to take a contract a long way (350 miles) from home, can i take it for granted that i can probably blag this amount of flexibility?

Did this for 8 years across a few contracts. I find that some clients don't mind it, some hate it.

I've never asked for it up-front at the interview, though. Always done a few months and worked it in from there.

[Scoobos]

I've done it from Reading to Leeds, and it went without saying that I'd be leaving on a friday early, and may be an hour or so late in on Monday.

Bottom line is, if you want a contractor then you need to let me manage my own workload / time.

(given that its a "deliverables" based project).

[Antman]

Agree with what the others have said, I think that the client's big worry at the back of his mind is that while your at home he doesn't know how much time you'll be on facebook (or CUK!)

So you need to show to the client that you're not taking the michael first.

Nowadays I actually prefer to come in a few days a week because with the little ones at home at least I get a good nights kip at the travelodge.

[bobspud]

Also, I cant help thinking that trying to get this sorted at interview stage would put the client off a bit too? But then again if its a showstopper and you wouldnt take the gig if they made you do mon-fri in the office then why not bring it up.

I really depends on your job role.
I Have had WFH as a big part of my contracts for the last decade. Every new interview that I have, when they ask how I like working at my current client or the commute to Y, I just say it's not a problem, I have my own office and much of the time I work from there, traveling up to my client for regular meeting days... The clients seem to almost accept that if I am already doing it then there is no reason not to allow me to carry on. I have had 2 maybe 3 interviews where the manager has been very set against it and I have just turned those gigs down pointing out that WFH would be part of my terms if they want to change their mind.

[sirja]

I am doing it in my current gig( Friday at home) and it works a treat. Makes all the difference and now i don't think I would take a long distance role if one day a week at home was not part of the deal

[JamJarST]

I always find it best to ask about starting \ finishing flexibility during the interview and, take nothing for granted about it being granted if I turn up and ask on the first day.

I'm with BB here, ask up front so that there are no surprises.

[BolshieBastard]

I always find it best to ask about starting \ finishing flexibility during the interview and, take nothing for granted about it being granted if I turn up and ask on the first day.

Myself, I prefer doing the 'weekly' hours in 4 days (easier in financials as the hours are usually 35 a week). Cramming 40 into 4 is do-able if like you, you are working away and have no daily travel otherwise I'd ask to WFH.

[psychocandy]

I'd agree with NLUK - clients dont give a toss about your personal circumstances they just want the work done.

Also, I cant help thinking that trying to get this sorted at interview stage would put the client off a bit too? But then again if its a showstopper and you wouldnt take the gig if they made you do mon-fri in the office then why not bring it up.

What I wouldnt do it take a gig and assume I could WFH Friday because it might not all work out like that.

[SimonMac]

Don't take it for granted, as others have said your travel arrangements are not their concern, current ClientCo doesn't allow contractors to WFH (good from an IR35 point, but a PITA really).

Did you drop the question in at the interview? What was the reaction?