Working from home
Working from home
Is this a good idea going forward ? I am finding most companies with any kind of customer service function that is usually call centre based are very very slow. This is having a knock on effect to other areas of business and having a negative impact on productivity.
-
- Posts: 30707
- Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 4:00 am
- Been Liked: 11052 times
- Has Liked: 5660 times
- Location: clue is in the title
Re: Working from home
there was a study done a few years go that stated people that work from home work longer hours and are more productive than if they go to an office.
My Mrs does both and deffo works longer hours when she is at home
My Mrs does both and deffo works longer hours when she is at home
Re: Working from home
I'm tending to agree. I was told last week by someone working from home, to contact a specific email address in regards to an important issue. I duly did on Monday just gone. I contacted another department yesterday as no response from said email and have had no response to that either.Boss Hogg wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 3:49 pmIs this a good idea going forward ? I am finding most companies with any kind of customer service function that is usually call centre based are very very slow. This is having a knock on effect to other areas of business and having a negative impact on productivity.
Getting a distinct impression they're only putting in minimal effort compared to if they were actually in an office environment.
This user liked this post: Boss Hogg
-
- Posts: 2257
- Joined: Sun Jan 24, 2016 10:41 am
- Been Liked: 426 times
- Has Liked: 219 times
Re: Working from home
Work will adapt and businesses will get better at working from home.Its definitely working well for my company. We are not going back into the office until Summer 2022.
-
- Posts: 3070
- Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2016 5:47 pm
- Been Liked: 1102 times
- Has Liked: 856 times
Re: Working from home
Regularly have to discuss this with managers and directors mainly across the Public Sector. Most office based companies seem to be moving towards an employee led approach, whether that is a hybrid model, fully on site or fully remote. Think a lot of it will be left to employee choice, obviously a lot of jobs are essential to be at work but the impact of remote working on work life balance has thrown up some very interesting data over the last year. Add on to that a lot of companies have offices with huge overheads that won't need that resource there's a lot of potential for companies downsizing offices too. Will be interesting to see what happens to the unused office space especially council buildings etc.
-
- Posts: 677
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 11:31 am
- Been Liked: 192 times
- Has Liked: 694 times
- Location: Nottingham
Re: Working from home
I'm much more productive at home than when I was going into the office. Spent too much time wandering round the office, chatting to people, skiving and hoovering up biscuits and cake which might be within range. Have lost half a stone, too, since working from home....Mrs Goddy in control of biscuit section - ha ha
-
- Posts: 7408
- Joined: Sun Apr 08, 2018 2:19 am
- Been Liked: 2311 times
- Has Liked: 2174 times
Re: Working from home
I’ve worked in an office but been home based for the last 4 years, I can assure you I’m never not working and probably work twice as many hours these days, I guess it depends on the job role and industry.
I think I can Speak for anybody that is based in a sales role that has targets to hit to earn commission, it doesn't matter where you are, you’ll always be working
I think I can Speak for anybody that is based in a sales role that has targets to hit to earn commission, it doesn't matter where you are, you’ll always be working
These 3 users liked this post: Vegas Claret Boss Hogg Braindead
-
- Posts: 18097
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 10:35 am
- Been Liked: 3875 times
- Has Liked: 2073 times
Re: Working from home
It's win win win for the companies. Less overheads, travel expenses and the employee picks up the leccy bill.
This user liked this post: karatekid
-
- Posts: 3393
- Joined: Fri May 08, 2020 7:04 pm
- Been Liked: 1004 times
- Has Liked: 905 times
Re: Working from home
Should be a win for the employee. Zero travel time, zero travel expense, flexi-hours(unless they have a key counter on your pc). Although both my daughters are home working and say their companies are very flexible as long as the work gets done. They love it.
-
- Posts: 1450
- Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2017 12:45 pm
- Been Liked: 664 times
- Has Liked: 379 times
Re: Working from home
I think that working from home productivity depends which sector you are working in. If you are in the commercial sector, then you will probably work longer and more productive hours from home. If you are normally an office Council employee or Civil Servant, then probably there will be no noticeable difference as they do f-all at either.
These 3 users liked this post: GodIsADeeJay81 Boss Hogg ten bellies
-
- Posts: 14571
- Joined: Thu Feb 01, 2018 9:55 am
- Been Liked: 3437 times
- Has Liked: 6339 times
Re: Working from home
Working from home will suit some people more than others.
If I was to return to an office type job I'd want to work from home.
I'd certainly get more done than being sat in an office with all the inane drivel that is spoken throughout the day.
At least I'd be able to listen to whatever music I want.
My last manager couldn't do it, he has to micromanage everything, inc trying to tell the warehouse staff how to do their jobs
If I was to return to an office type job I'd want to work from home.
I'd certainly get more done than being sat in an office with all the inane drivel that is spoken throughout the day.
At least I'd be able to listen to whatever music I want.
My last manager couldn't do it, he has to micromanage everything, inc trying to tell the warehouse staff how to do their jobs
-
- Posts: 535
- Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 2:37 pm
- Been Liked: 155 times
- Has Liked: 57 times
Re: Working from home
For a variety of reasons we have now got our company to a size where a large office doesn't make sense and, with a few modification will continue to work from home into the future.huw.Y.WattfromWare wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 4:24 pmShould be a win for the employee. Zero travel time, zero travel expense, flexi-hours(unless they have a key counter on your pc). Although both my daughters are home working and say their companies are very flexible as long as the work gets done. They love it.
As you say, no travel time or travel expense plus, the money I will save on rent/insurance/electric/gas/water will be significant for a small company. I start earlier and finish later (no travel time), I'm more productive and I'm managing to create space to fit extra work in which is another added bonus.
-
- Posts: 7408
- Joined: Sun Apr 08, 2018 2:19 am
- Been Liked: 2311 times
- Has Liked: 2174 times
Re: Working from home
My work life balance has improved massively! I can drop my daughter at school, cook the tea etc...huw.Y.WattfromWare wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 4:24 pmShould be a win for the employee. Zero travel time, zero travel expense, flexi-hours(unless they have a key counter on your pc). Although both my daughters are home working and say their companies are very flexible as long as the work gets done. They love it.
When I was on the road I’d leave before 6 and get home as the kids were going to bed
-
- Posts: 7408
- Joined: Sun Apr 08, 2018 2:19 am
- Been Liked: 2311 times
- Has Liked: 2174 times
Re: Working from home
Micromanaging is the issue, old fashioned companies. If the manager did his job properly he’d employ people he could trust. I report directly to the MD and in all honesty can’t stand the bloke, he probably rings me once every couple of week, tops. He knows I’ll do my job, and I make sure I do because I can’t be arsed with him ringing meGodIsADeeJay81 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 4:33 pmWorking from home will suit some people more than others.
If I was to return to an office type job I'd want to work from home.
I'd certainly get more done than being sat in an office with all the inane drivel that is spoken throughout the day.
At least I'd be able to listen to whatever music I want.
My last manager couldn't do it, he has to micromanage everything, inc trying to tell the warehouse staff how to do their jobs
-
- Posts: 14571
- Joined: Thu Feb 01, 2018 9:55 am
- Been Liked: 3437 times
- Has Liked: 6339 times
Re: Working from home
The problem in my old place were the old long winded processes for doing stuff, which the old manager thought were great.Burnley1989 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 4:50 pmMicromanaging is the issue, old fashioned companies. If the manager did his job properly he’d employ people he could trust. I report directly to the MD and in all honesty can’t stand the bloke, he probably rings me once every couple of week, tops. He knows I’ll do my job, and I make sure I do because I can’t be arsed with him ringing me
He used to get really hacked off when I'd shorten them without telling him
My director once said in front of the whole office - "I don't know if Sid is clever or lazy, because he's always finding ways to to make things quicker"
I told him I'm both and he wasn't quite sure what to make of that one
-
- Posts: 7408
- Joined: Sun Apr 08, 2018 2:19 am
- Been Liked: 2311 times
- Has Liked: 2174 times
Re: Working from home
It’s true, lazy people are great for finding easier ways of doing things, it’s actually a positive sometimesGodIsADeeJay81 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 5:51 pmThe problem in my old place were the old long winded processes for doing stuff, which the old manager thought were great.
He used to get really hacked off when I'd shorten them without telling him
My director once said in front of the whole office - "I don't know if Sid is clever or lazy, because he's always finding ways to to make things quicker"
I told him I'm both and he wasn't quite sure what to make of that one
This user liked this post: GodIsADeeJay81
-
- Posts: 3604
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 10:05 am
- Been Liked: 2625 times
- Has Liked: 1 time
Re: Working from home
Same.. worked from home for last 4 years following years of commuting into Sheffield at stupid o'clock every day. The time I've had with the kids, seeing them every day as soon as they're home from school has made my life so much better, way beyond all the savings on fuel and crap lunches. It's time you'll never get back, best thing I've done. Don't live to work etc.Burnley1989 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 4:46 pmMy work life balance has improved massively! I can drop my daughter at school, cook the tea etc...
When I was on the road I’d leave before 6 and get home as the kids were going to bed
These 2 users liked this post: GodIsADeeJay81 Burnley1989
-
- Posts: 3121
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 8:24 am
- Been Liked: 946 times
- Has Liked: 411 times
Re: Working from home
Definitely from my perspective.
More family time without working less hours necessarily
No issues or stress with commutes.
I am able to get my work done with a dedicated home office and set up so can close the door once finished and separate my home and work.
Better for the wallet.
This means I can support the local economy more than ever.
No more stressing of using holidays to cover school holidays in the same way.
Really looking forward to being able to start enjoying it more as I can get out and about and work from different locations.
More family time without working less hours necessarily
No issues or stress with commutes.
I am able to get my work done with a dedicated home office and set up so can close the door once finished and separate my home and work.
Better for the wallet.
This means I can support the local economy more than ever.
No more stressing of using holidays to cover school holidays in the same way.
Really looking forward to being able to start enjoying it more as I can get out and about and work from different locations.
-
- Posts: 13510
- Joined: Tue Dec 31, 2019 9:51 am
- Been Liked: 3114 times
- Has Liked: 3833 times
Re: Working from home
I think it’s highly unlikely that we’ll return to the office in the way we did before. For me, I know I’ll never go back.
The two main reasons are that commercial property is hugely expensive when you include rents, rates, service charges, insurance, maintenance, utilities, etc. (often it’s a businesses second or third biggest cost after people/marketing) & the second is that in the main folk are more productive - are willing to work more hours less their commute, fewer distractions, less office gossip causing disruption, etc.
Plus, folk prefer it. If anyone didn’t WFH I think they’d find they become uncompetitive. I’m just hoping new businesses crop up selling me decent lunches to my door. I’m sick of the rubbish I cobble together.
The two main reasons are that commercial property is hugely expensive when you include rents, rates, service charges, insurance, maintenance, utilities, etc. (often it’s a businesses second or third biggest cost after people/marketing) & the second is that in the main folk are more productive - are willing to work more hours less their commute, fewer distractions, less office gossip causing disruption, etc.
Plus, folk prefer it. If anyone didn’t WFH I think they’d find they become uncompetitive. I’m just hoping new businesses crop up selling me decent lunches to my door. I’m sick of the rubbish I cobble together.
Re: Working from home
I think real human interaction helps innovation. I think there will be more flexible working but I don’t think the office is dead yet. I think customer service and administrative functions are worse off for home working.
Re: Working from home
I was happily away from the days of working in an office, day in and day out, a while before Covid hit.
There’s plenty of reasons that it will always benefit certain individuals from working at their place of work as opposed to at home.
If companies are pushing for more home working (and why the hell wouldn’t they) they’ve a big responsibility towards their employees working from home. For some, work and the people they meet, is their main escape. Without responsible leadership, an already large issue with mental health, could become a tsunami!
From an end customer perspective, aside from initial teething trouble, there should be no reason why customer facing roles (not directly of course) cannot operate just as effectively, if not more so, than being in an office.
We were investigating homeworking fifteen years ago. The technology was already there then, it certainly is now - with all the bells and whistles.
There’s plenty of reasons that it will always benefit certain individuals from working at their place of work as opposed to at home.
If companies are pushing for more home working (and why the hell wouldn’t they) they’ve a big responsibility towards their employees working from home. For some, work and the people they meet, is their main escape. Without responsible leadership, an already large issue with mental health, could become a tsunami!
From an end customer perspective, aside from initial teething trouble, there should be no reason why customer facing roles (not directly of course) cannot operate just as effectively, if not more so, than being in an office.
We were investigating homeworking fifteen years ago. The technology was already there then, it certainly is now - with all the bells and whistles.
-
- Posts: 3393
- Joined: Fri May 08, 2020 7:04 pm
- Been Liked: 1004 times
- Has Liked: 905 times
Re: Working from home
On the downside if you can work from home for £20/hour how long before the company realise they can employ somebody in Cairo or Mumbai for £3/hour.
-
- Posts: 7408
- Joined: Sun Apr 08, 2018 2:19 am
- Been Liked: 2311 times
- Has Liked: 2174 times
Re: Working from home
In short then, it’s here to stay! Happy workforce is a productive workforce! With companies systems these days everything’s tracked anyway so there’s no hiding from work
-
- Posts: 7408
- Joined: Sun Apr 08, 2018 2:19 am
- Been Liked: 2311 times
- Has Liked: 2174 times
Re: Working from home
Depends on the job role, we all know that’s not going to happenhuw.Y.WattfromWare wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 8:44 pmOn the downside if you can work from home for £20/hour how long before the company realise they can employ somebody in Cairo or Mumbai for £3/hour.
Re: Working from home
There are plenty of outsourced operations out there still. However, plenty have brought a lot of work back ‘onshore’ because of customer issues with language / accent barriers amongst other things.huw.Y.WattfromWare wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 8:44 pmOn the downside if you can work from home for £20/hour how long before the company realise they can employ somebody in Cairo or Mumbai for £3/hour.
-
- Posts: 18097
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 10:35 am
- Been Liked: 3875 times
- Has Liked: 2073 times
Re: Working from home
I presume there hasn't been any health and safety checks at the homes of these office workers?
Are they insured as normal?
What would happen if someone didn't have smoke alarms and fire extinguishers where they're working?
And there was a fire?
Are they insured as normal?
What would happen if someone didn't have smoke alarms and fire extinguishers where they're working?
And there was a fire?
Re: Working from home
All equipment used should be PAT tested. I’d assume, but don’t know, that a persons own home is their responsibility from a fire and safe electrics perspective.Quickenthetempo wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 8:51 pmI presume there hasn't been any health and safety checks at the homes of these office workers?
Are they insured as normal?
What would happen if someone didn't have smoke alarms and fire extinguishers where they're working?
And there was a fire?
My other half’s firm have ensured that DSE self assessments have been done (and acted upon). This isn’t any different to the process carried out when working in the office.
-
- Posts: 1450
- Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2017 12:45 pm
- Been Liked: 664 times
- Has Liked: 379 times
Re: Working from home
Why would there be H&S checks etc, it's their home.
-
- Posts: 16896
- Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 4:37 pm
- Been Liked: 6963 times
- Has Liked: 1483 times
- Location: Leeds
Re: Working from home
I’ve been doing monthly fire-drills at my work place.
This user liked this post: Burnley1989
-
- Posts: 1450
- Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2017 12:45 pm
- Been Liked: 664 times
- Has Liked: 379 times
Re: Working from home
Having a monthly 'hot night' with other half is not called a fire drill.
-
- Posts: 7408
- Joined: Sun Apr 08, 2018 2:19 am
- Been Liked: 2311 times
- Has Liked: 2174 times
Re: Working from home
I wouldn’t class myself as an office worker, but yes I have to do training courses for working from home every year.. covers ergonomics, fire, manual handling etc etcQuickenthetempo wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 8:51 pmI presume there hasn't been any health and safety checks at the homes of these office workers?
Are they insured as normal?
What would happen if someone didn't have smoke alarms and fire extinguishers where they're working?
And there was a fire?
-
- Posts: 16896
- Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 4:37 pm
- Been Liked: 6963 times
- Has Liked: 1483 times
- Location: Leeds
Re: Working from home
It’s been a lean year for me. The other half insists that it’s a sackable offence in the work place.Volvoclaret wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:06 pmHaving a monthly 'hot night' with other half is not called a fire drill.
This user liked this post: Volvoclaret
Re: Working from home
I have been working from home for the last few weeks for the HSE doing COVID 19 spot checks. Although I find that my work is much more productive, that aspect I can’t deny, I do feel that going forward we are going to see mental health issues becoming much more of a problem unless employers recognise the sense of isolation that can develop. Workplaces are more than just somewhere to earn a living, they are communities as well. You spend a third of your life with people that you work with. When that suddenly disappears it can cause all sorts of issues
-
- Posts: 21464
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:59 pm
- Been Liked: 8585 times
- Has Liked: 11285 times
Re: Working from home
I’ve been able to work from home for years. And my role now can be done completely remotely.
However personally can’t wait for the office and customer sites to reopen and have a better balance.
Working from home has great perks. And actually diet and sleep is much better. Along with quality time with kids.
But equally living working and sleeping all in the same building 24/7 can take its toll.
With things easing it will get better regardless. Cafes. And the hub at the turf.
But actually miss the commute. Some down time.
listening to books / podcasts. Meeting people. Sharing ideas.
Moving forward I will probably be in the office two days a week through choice. On the road a few days every two or three weeks through choice.
Definitely miss the social aspect of being in work.
However personally can’t wait for the office and customer sites to reopen and have a better balance.
Working from home has great perks. And actually diet and sleep is much better. Along with quality time with kids.
But equally living working and sleeping all in the same building 24/7 can take its toll.
With things easing it will get better regardless. Cafes. And the hub at the turf.
But actually miss the commute. Some down time.
listening to books / podcasts. Meeting people. Sharing ideas.
Moving forward I will probably be in the office two days a week through choice. On the road a few days every two or three weeks through choice.
Definitely miss the social aspect of being in work.
-
- Posts: 3121
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 8:24 am
- Been Liked: 946 times
- Has Liked: 411 times
Re: Working from home
They have been doing this to office workers for decades now already.huw.Y.WattfromWare wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 8:44 pmOn the downside if you can work from home for £20/hour how long before the company realise they can employ somebody in Cairo or Mumbai for £3/hour.
The biggest fear for workers is robotics and automation - not offshoring jobs.
-
- Posts: 3121
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 8:24 am
- Been Liked: 946 times
- Has Liked: 411 times
Re: Working from home
There is also where workplaces that can cause anxiety, mental health, and wellbeing issues too. There isn't one size fits all that will work for everyone. Flexibility to work will be key.Chobulous wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:20 pmI have been working from home for the last few weeks for the HSE doing COVID 19 spot checks. Although I find that my work is much more productive, that aspect I can’t deny, I do feel that going forward we are going to see mental health issues becoming much more of a problem unless employers recognise the sense of isolation that can develop. Workplaces are more than just somewhere to earn a living, they are communities as well. You spend a third of your life with people that you work with. When that suddenly disappears it can cause all sorts of issues
This user liked this post: Chobulous
Re: Working from home
You’re right but that is down to bad managers and a poor culture. I’m not against home working, I think it is areal step forward, but it can’t replace the social interaction in a workplace, there has to be a balanceclarethomer wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:34 pmThere is also where workplaces that can cause anxiety, mental health, and wellbeing issues too. There isn't one size fits all that will work for everyone. Flexibility to work will be key.
-
- Posts: 1450
- Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2017 12:45 pm
- Been Liked: 664 times
- Has Liked: 379 times
Re: Working from home
Pete, you've always been mental.
Re: Working from home
Do you know me
-
- Posts: 1450
- Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2017 12:45 pm
- Been Liked: 664 times
- Has Liked: 379 times
Re: Working from home
Only for about 50 years
Re: Working from home
OK give me a clue
-
- Posts: 3121
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 8:24 am
- Been Liked: 946 times
- Has Liked: 411 times
Re: Working from home
Or it could be down to the individual who doesn't want the interaction necessarily.
I am looking forward to seeing colleagues when I can but there has to be a purpose to it. It's not about just going in and doing the same thing I could do sitting at my desk at home. However, if my team could benefit from doing something more collaborative where it's not a run-of-the-mill meeting, then I am up for doing that in person.
I guess I am lucky in that I work at home and so does Mrs. CH and we both have independent working spaces in the house where we 'meet for lunch' and deliver each other brews. I'd rather have that than having to listen to people I don't particularly like in the office moaning or boring on about whatever drama is going on in their lives. God, I don't miss that.
Thankfully I work in a business that has great culture on the whole and my managers are trusting, open and trust us to do what is required. We are treated like adults which I know isn't always the case for many people.
Re: Working from home
Bad managers don’t help but there’s far more to mental health issues in work places than poor management and culture.
-
- Posts: 4388
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 8:09 pm
- Been Liked: 1826 times
- Has Liked: 930 times
Re: Working from home
Could solve the housing problem at a stroke by converting some of that obsolete commercial space into homes.
Trouble is there are too many vested interest in keeping property prices artificially high and wouldn't want to see supply increase to meet demand.
Trouble is there are too many vested interest in keeping property prices artificially high and wouldn't want to see supply increase to meet demand.
-
- Posts: 3121
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 8:24 am
- Been Liked: 946 times
- Has Liked: 411 times
Re: Working from home
They are making this easier to convert these to be fair. Not going to get into the economics of it all as it's not a post that is likely to stay around long on here with the rules in place as politics will come into it.CombatClaret wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:53 pmCould solve the housing problem at a stroke by converting some of that obsolete commercial space into homes.
Trouble is there are too many vested interest in keeping property prices artificially high and wouldn't want to see supply increase to meet demand.
I am interested in seeing how cities cope over the next few years with many firms looking at reducing their office space. Leases coming up and knowing what space is needed will likely mean downsizing or finding other office space which meets the needs of today rather than pre-pandemic needs. When firms do this, it will be more difficult to reverse the trend in the short term. This will mean landlords may look at conversions to get a return on the spaces that have been left behind.
Re: Working from home
Who would have thought, a world wide pandemic solves the housing crisis
This user liked this post: DCWat
-
- Posts: 1450
- Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2017 12:45 pm
- Been Liked: 664 times
- Has Liked: 379 times
-
- Posts: 4388
- Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 8:09 pm
- Been Liked: 1826 times
- Has Liked: 930 times
Re: Working from home
clarethomer wrote: ↑Fri Mar 19, 2021 9:59 pmI am interested in seeing how cities cope over the next few years with many firms looking at reducing their office space. Leases coming up and knowing what space is needed will likely mean downsizing or finding other office space which meets the needs of today rather than pre-pandemic needs. When firms do this, it will be more difficult to reverse the trend in the short term. This will mean landlords may look at conversions to get a return on the spaces that have been left behind.
And then the knock on to the huge City & Town center service economy exclusively serving those working in said offices. As some liked to suggest young people were being told they could afford a home if they stopped buying coffee and avocado on toast (obvious clap-trap when you look at wages vs house prices over time) and then the pandemic hit and they were told they must keep buying coffee and avocado on toast or the economy will grind to a halt.
It's going to be interesting.
Re: Working from home
I wish that gave me light bulb moment, but there was a point in my life when I was between wives that I seemed to lose items of clothing every week. Usually after a lost weekend
Last edited by Chobulous on Fri Mar 19, 2021 10:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Working from home
By the way, can I have it back?