If Work From Home becomes a thing...

snoopboggybog

Strumms wrote: »

No, but pour yourself a glass of something you seem like you need it.

There wouldn't be ‘balance’ there would be ‘invasion’, to your space, time, personal and family life..

I’ll let you call up the twitter folks and tell them what they are doing wrong, I’m sure they’ll be delighted to hear from you and your ummm ‘expertise’.

Please explain how there would be an invasion into your space, time, personal and family life.

I can't wait for your response because this is just nonsense. It's no difference from been in the office during your normal working hours.

Strumms

snoopboggybog wrote: »

You must have an arsehole of a boss then or work for a crap company?

I start at 9, finish at 5. I might get a call once every two month out of hours which I don't mind. I tell them if I'm available or not. If I say I'm not available they just move onto the next member of the team.

Its not bad really.

If it works for you fine, that’s good you have a positive outlook but if you read many threads here and have had in the past ‘some’ experiences I’ve had... you don’t blur the line, work and home and personal life separate. When covid is over you are going to see first hand how many employers are ripping the absolute piss now the line has been blurred.

snoopboggybog

Strumms wrote: »

If it works for you fine, that’s good you have a positive outlook but if you read many threads here and have had in the past ‘some’ experiences I’ve had... you don’t blur the line, work and home and personal life separate. When covid is over you are going to see first hand how many employers are ripping the absolute piss now the line has been blurred.

You could have easily created a post saying that work from home doesn't suit you whatsoever instead of all the nonsense you were saying about the cost of the office etc.

If working from home doesn't suit you that's grand, it doesn't suit everyone but you were portraying all people working from home like something was wrong with it.

I know some people are against it for the mental health aspect of it not been able to socialize.

If your employer expects you to work 24/7 and be on call 24/7 its probably time you switched company. Worked in places like that before and left after a few months.

Mrs OBumble

Mr.S wrote: »

I can really see co-working space picking up massively here, for those people that prefer working outside of home.

Who do you think will pay for this?

At €50+ per day per head, I cannot see many employers paying for this when they also have office space available.

And it's a PITA to necef be able to leave papers, laptop etc in your desk overnight.

Strumms

Mr.S wrote: »

What are you rambling on about?

Is your issue that you think employers will expect people working form home, to work 24/7 because for some reason their home is now their office? (it isn't)

What are YOU rambling on about, you’d want to mind your manners..... plenty of employers are already in fact expecting this, . My cousin who works for a security company, is already taking calls on his personal mobile and house phone... his work mobile is off when he is not working or on call, yet his house phone now has started to ring

storker

Deleted User wrote: »

Yeah you're dead right and to be honest I've never had a boss or even a colleague that would ask where I was if I cant be contacted, home or at the office.

Likewise. I've had a couple of calls along the lines of:

Colleague: "Did you see that e-mail from x?"
Me: "Nope...I'm in the kitchen making a coffee. I'll read it in a few minutes and give you a shout back."
Colleague: "Grand"

As for my boss, it's usually me trying to contact him and wondering where the hell he is.

snoopboggybog

Strumms wrote: »

What are YOU rambling on about, you’d want to mind your manners..... plenty of employers are already in fact expecting this, . My cousin who works for a security company, is already taking calls on his personal mobile and house phone... his work mobile is off when he is not working or on call, yet his house phone now has started to ring

Your taking one scenario and then thinking its the same for everyone working from home.

A company shouldn't be contacting you on your house phone or personal phone. Tell your cousin to nip it in the bud now.

If my employer ever intended to contact me on my house phone if it was not a life or death situation for the company they would be told off immediately.

I have a work phone, i might get called once every two months on it out of hours. If I'm in the pub or something I tell them to call someone else.

snoopboggybog

Strumms wrote: »

What are YOU rambling on about, you’d want to mind your manners..... plenty of employers are already in fact expecting this, . My cousin who works for a security company, is already taking calls on his personal mobile and house phone... his work mobile is off when he is not working or on call, yet his house phone now has started to ring

Plenty of employers? You have one example and it just sounds like a crap company to be honest.

jester77

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Who do you think will pay for this?

At €50+ per day per head, I cannot see many employers paying for this when they also have office space available.

And it's a PITA to necef be able to leave papers, laptop etc in your desk overnight.

It takes less than a minute to put your laptop and papers into a drawer. We even do it when we go for lunch.

Just take out the laptop, plug into the usb cable and you are good to go straight away. If you organised then papers are a non-issue.

helimachoptor

Myself & Wife are getting a cabin in the garden as we'll both be wfh for the foreseeable.

Both our companies currently just wont be able to accommodate the same volume of people in the office.

seamus

I was talking to someone yesterday who's trying to sell some Georgian office space in Dublin city and has seen all interest dry up.

I was telling them that the future in this space is in the ability to rent office space in pods; individual serviced offices where 1-4 colleagues from a single company can share the space.

For some companies it will require certain modifications to ensure physical and digital isolation as well as security, but if someone like WeWork were to run with this, they'd be on track to become the next AirBnB.

As they move to reopen, many companies will find that a significant portion of staff don't have the space to WFH but would rather not make the trip all the way to the office. And small office space rented by the week or month is what companies are going to start looking for.

helimachoptor

seamus wrote: »

As they move to reopen, many companies will find that a significant portion of staff don't have the space to WFH but would rather not make the trip all the way to the office. And small office space rented by the week or month is what companies are going to start looking for.

Agree, have friends/colleagues working from their bed if they're house sharing and because they just don't have any other practical space.

Red Alert

I think for a lot of people they'll have to weigh up the pros and cons of a dedicated workspace at home vs a commute.

I work in higher ed, where we have fairly flexible hours outside of our timetabled schedule. For me, having a proper desk, large monitor, separate keyboard/mouse and a comfortable home office really helps. I'd go mad if I was trying to work on the table or the sofa on a longer-term basis.

On the data security issue, we are all going to come up against some difficult ethical, privacy and technical decisions. I think in the longer term some companies should look at using dedicated Thin Client devices - there are a few different types from the likes of Dell/Wyse, IGEL and others. These small boxes (about the size of a Mac Mini) connect back through home broadband over VPN directly to the office to a Citrix/RDP/other desktop, and plug into a keyboard/mouse/screen like a normal PC. No data on the device, and keeps a strict separation of work/home.

larva

Ive found WFH to be perfect for me. My 2 hour commute is gone freeing up extra time in both the morning and evening. I have the freedom not to be forced to be stuck at a desk for 8 hours straight and can do more things around the house when I need a break from working. I dont have the distractions of having to listen to other peoples dilemmas and their own work which is of no relevance to me. im not a sporty person so not being stuck in the middle of a group conversation about football, golf or rugby really works well for me. I can see the reasons why some people need the office but ive found myself more productive and better at my job working from home, not to mention being a happier person overall. Im an administrator and there is literally no actual requirement for me to be physically in the office in respect of doing my job! Covid has proved WFH works.

Technocentral

larva wrote: »

Ive found WFH to be perfect for me. My 2 hour commute is gone freeing up extra time in both the morning and evening. I have the freedom not to be forced to be stuck at a desk for 8 hours straight and can do more things around the house when I need a break from working. I dont have the distractions of having to listen to other peoples dilemmas and their own work which is of no relevance to me. im not a sporty person so not being stuck in the middle of a group conversation about football, golf or rugby really works well for me. I can see the reasons why some people need the office but ive found myself more productive and better at my job working from home, not to mention being a happier person overall. Im an administrator and there is literally no actual requirement for me to be physically in the office in respect of doing my job! Covid has proved WFH works.

100% with you on your analysis, loving not having to listen to sports talk 5 days a week now!

larva

Technocentral wrote: »

100% with you on your analysis, loving not having to listen to sports talk 5 days a week now!

Im married with no kids, by choice, so having to also listen to someone elses "choice" regarding their choice in having kids is also an unnecessary distraction for me while im trying to work! You chose to have kids, deal with it and dont bother telling me about it please, ive no interest!

Jim2007

larva wrote: »

Im married with no kids, by choice, so having to also listen to someone elses "choice" regarding their choice in having kids is also an unnecessary distraction for me while im trying to work! You chose to have kids, deal with it and dont bother telling me about it please, ive no interest!

Oh but you should, you really should! Because you will be relying on those kids to foot the bill for your pensions, healthcare, public services etc..... :D:D:D

Mrs OBumble

Mr.S wrote: »

A monthly WeWork hotdesking sub is less than €500 a month, that's cheaper than getting full time / dedicated space. Obviously it's not going to suit a 2000 strong workforce, but for smaller operations, definitely something to consider.

CoWorking space also includes private offices and dedicated desks and lockers, fyi.

(I'm using WeWork as an example, there are many alternatives).

I've done some temping in serviced offices, which are similar.

Don't recall any client companies that had office space within commutable distance - why pay for two spaces when you can only pay for one and make the staff pay the commuting costs.

larva

Jim2007 wrote: »

Oh but you should, you really should! Because you will be relying on those kids to foot the bill for your pensions, healthcare, public services etc..... :D:D:D

I pay my taxes so I am entitled to have that money recirculated back to me when im an old fart albeit depending on the next Gen and how they develop, perhaps I should have had one or two myself but I wouldnt have the patience just by listening to other parents and their tribulations

JoChervil

Mr.S wrote: »

To be fair, you don't need to be working in a physical location with your colleagues or employer to achieve this.

There is no "double edged sword" with working from home. Calm down.

It's comical you are suggesting you can't develop or progress someone's career without being physically infront of someone.

I think that this informal meetings are often necessary for people, who want to advance in their career through "behind the scenes" actions.

I am really happy with WFH. Everything is open and clear. People have to think twice before spreading vicious gossips or manipulate others or even bully because most of the contacts are recorded, so such things can be easily revealed.

I think such work has less toxicity and is more based on merit.

lickalot

I think a lot of people's mental health is been affected by having to work from home.

It will suit some people but for others its going to have drastic effects for them not been in the office having the craic and socializing with other people.

This is going to be the biggest thing that will stop it. Personally myself I'd like to be back in the office and maybe work from home on a Friday.

People are going to be fed up couped in their house and not socializing.

Socializing is what makes work enjoyable for me anyway.

Other than that once a company has the right IT systems setup their should be no other issues.

I'll probably end up renting a hot desk somewhere for 100 euro a month probably if they do decide to make it a permanent thing and some of my colleagues feel exactly the same way. We employ over 400 IT Staff.

bilbot79

If you're having the craic in work you're not working hard enough!

lickalot

bilbot79 wrote: »

If you're having the craic in work you're not working hard enough!

I left jobs because of this type of statement. Work should be fun and enjoyable.

I've left roles because the office was too serious and would nearly look at you sideways if your having a bit of fun.

Every single person and manager in my office are extremely down to earth.

They purposely hire people that will suit the company. Ego's don't last long where I work.

They'll be fecked out quicker than the probation lasts no matter what's on there C.V.

BrianD3

I'm just wondering if any public servants have been pressured into returning to the office after working from home. Lots of "managers" in the PS who must be desperate to get back to having people in the office shuffling paper about instead of WFH and doing things electronically. Because that's the way things have always been done and change is bad.

Given the way the PS operates and the neurotic yet spineless approach to management, I predict that the numerous benefits of staff WFH will not be realised or utilised while the so called cons will be front and foremost. E.g. "the staff will just doss at home and we won't be able to do anything about it so we'll just stop WFH"

There have been reports that the government formation talks had discussions about public servants working from home 20% of the time going forward with the Green Party proposing 40% of the time but that that was shot down by Simon Coveney.

A simplistic approach of 20% or even 40% WFH is pretty bad TBH - but better than nothing and may be needed to force the aforementioned managers into change.

BrianD3

BrianD3 wrote: »

I'm just wondering if any public servants have been pressured into returning to the office after working from home. Lots of "managers" in the PS who must be desperate to get back to having people in the office shuffling paper about instead of WFH and doing things electronically. Because that's the way things have always been done and change is bad.

Not in my Department. We received an email at the start of the week directly from HR Divison advising all staff that the official position remains that anyone who can WFH should continue to do so.

Limited and staggered access to our various buildings is being accommodated for those who need it, but staff are being asked to only make a visit to the office if absolutely necessary. It was very clear that visits to the office were not for the purpose of "getting out of the house" or socialising.

WFH where possible has been actively encouraged in my Department long before Covid, and we have been paperless for some time now. I worked from home one day a week before Covid, and will hopefully be increasing this number once we reopen the buildings.

The_Honeybadger

BrianD3 wrote: »

I'm just wondering if any public servants have been pressured into returning to the office after working from home. Lots of "managers" in the PS who must be desperate to get back to having people in the office shuffling paper about instead of WFH and doing things electronically. Because that's the way things have always been done and change is bad.

Given the way the PS operates and the neurotic yet spineless approach to management, I predict that the numerous benefits of staff WFH will not be realised or utilised while the so called cons will be front and foremost. E.g. "the staff will just doss at home and we won't be able to do anything about it so we'll just stop WFH"

There have been reports that the government formation talks had discussions about public servants working from home 20% of the time going forward with the Green Party proposing 40% of the time but that that was shot down by Simon Coveney.

A simplistic approach of 20% or even 40% WFH is pretty bad TBH - but better than nothing and may be needed to force the aforementioned managers into change.

We were asked to complete a survey last week in relation to WFH. Questions revolved around your home setup, do you have everything you require in terms of equipment and office furniture etc. Several open ended questions at the end then looking for feedback on what we would like to see happen in the future, would we like to see WFH as an ongoing policy. General consensus among colleagues seems to be that they like the idea of 2-3 days at home and 2-3 in the office.

I think there will be a strong element of WFH throughout the PS in to the future. It has been pretty seamless where I am bar one manager who continues to insist on everything being printed and maintaining cabinets full of pointless paper files. If they weren’t there I’d say we would be effectively paperless now.

gladerunner

I'm in the public service too and its very hard to imagine 900 people back in one office, even long term.
I get the sense ( despite huge increases in productivity ) most managers would like us back. Its like they prefer swanning around like teacher making sure all the recruits are accounted for.
The benefits for at home working FOR ME are revolutionary.

* No commute/traffic - that's 2/3 hours gained in one day
* No expensive petrol bills
* No parking fees - €50.00 a month
* If i can work from home when the kids get back to school, i could work more hours, use less unpaid parental leave and actually make a good living
* Get rid of our second car ( a huge drain for most people )

* Im amazed at the money that's spent on team lunches, cards for birthdays and leaving do's, lotto and even using the canteen. I know the household bills and grocery shop has increased, but that's manageable

PLUS THE WORK IS GETTING DONE.
Whats not to like.
I'll like the craic of the office too, but id forgo that for a better work life balance at last

gladerunner

gladerunner wrote: »

.............most managers would like us back. Its like they prefer swanning around like teacher making sure all the recruits are accounted for.............
PLUS THE WORK IS GETTING DONE.
............

A decent proportion of managers are likely fearful they might be deemed surplus to requirements themselves if their teams are seen to be performing well with WFH. Many organisations have too many leads and managers ....... of course their teams might well be performing well with WFH with the assistance/guidance of the managers too of course.

Technocentral

gladerunner wrote: »

I'm in the public service too and its very hard to imagine 900 people back in one office, even long term.
I get the sense ( despite huge increases in productivity ) most managers would like us back. Its like they prefer swanning around like teacher making sure all the recruits are accounted for.
The benefits for at home working FOR ME are revolutionary.

* No commute/traffic - that's 2/3 hours gained in one day
* No expensive petrol bills
* No parking fees - €50.00 a month
* If i can work from home when the kids get back to school, i could work more hours, use less unpaid parental leave and actually make a good living
* Get rid of our second car ( a huge drain for most people )

* Im amazed at the money that's spent on team lunches, cards for birthdays and leaving do's, lotto and even using the canteen. I know the household bills and grocery shop has increased, but that's manageable

PLUS THE WORK IS GETTING DONE.
Whats not to like.
I'll like the craic of the office too, but id forgo that for a better work life balance at last

Surely at the very least the era of 5 days a week in an office are gone, total 19th Century thinking, huge waste of the the World's resources and peoples time commuting, plus easier to get work done when people aren't blathering constantly and distracting you. I could take 2 days a week maximum in the office when this is all over.

mariaalice

Had a conversation with my sister about this and her opinion is that the single house-sharing half wants to go back to the office, those with family not as much I can see that, I would say loneliness and living in shared accommodation is a big factor for a lot of people WFH.

Long term it will most likely be a mix of office days and WFH

My husband is working from home but will be going back but it will be a mix, my daughter and her partner are both working from home and it happened all of sudden and they are all getting on fine.