Flexible Working Good, But Mistrusted

usefool writes "iTNews has a report commissioned by Toshiba Australia, which stated flexible working (the ability for people to work from whatever place offers the greatest suitability and productivity for the employee and their employer) offers up to six times the level of return through the cost savings associated with fewer overheads, parking, technology and recruitment and training costs. However it is perceived as difficult to monitor and supervise, therefore not always practised by employers."

Comments

Re:both

[Piquan]

If an employer finds that people aren't doing their job when working from home, either make them come into the office, or fire them and hire someone more responsible.

Or possibly figure out why they're not being productive at home. In my case, my chair broke once so that the back wouldn't stay up. I didn't think much of it, but it was so uncomfortable that I couldn't concentrate for more than 10-15 minutes. My productivity was hurt severely. It took me a while to identify the problem, but once I did, a quick bit of dealing on craigslist and I was back in business.

Just because somebody isn't working effectively from home doesn't necessarily mean that they're irresponsible.

Re:This is a Double, Double Edged Sword

[bondgrrl]

I've just spent the last 18 months working from home (as a freelancer, not as an employee). I loved it so much that I am now applying for all the permie office jobs that I can find as I have finally lost it with working alone.

I really, really hope that working from home does NOT become commonplace. If you work in an office then you probably think "wow, work from home in your PJs. Fantastic!". The reality after a few months is so different. You really begin to miss people. You just want to talk. You want to trade jokes while you're coding. You want silly little things like someone offering to get you a coffee. You want to go out for a group drink at lunchtime.

We need interaction. You might think that you hate your office environ, but doing solitary in your home office is far worse.

Okay, I agree that people should have the choice about working from home (at least some of the time, when you just want to get away from the office) but I hope that it doesn't become mandatory.