Office / Home Time Use

Hi. My company haven’t had an office since June 2020.

Agree with the benefits of an office. But as an on-site/project manager guy, an office is pointless as I was hardly there and when I was, no one else in my team was there. Yes, I could chat to the help desk guys, but that was social. I work from home and get just as much done, (maybe more) and I’m home more for my family so it works for me. 

There are definitely benefits to both sides of the coin and i think you’ve hit the nail on the head really - if you weren’t in the office much in the first place then it probably won’t make any difference. I think it also depends on your home setup, for me, my computer setup at home is in the kitchen / dining room which means I don’t really get any privacy when the kids (2, 4 and 7!!) are home. It's not their fault and they don’t understand that daddy has to work, so in that sense if i do need to get away from the office I opt for a coffee shop or something nearby home to make sure when I finish, I am still getting home earlier than if i was in the office. 

There are pros to both and I would say I get more “work” done when I’m sitting at my desk at home with headphones on. However, the impression given to co-workers and bosses of “you’re here and working” I think is much more when I’m walking around the office getting coffee and looking for catered food that some department ordered to cash in on…. and you know saying hi to everyone. Even tho I might have a couple breaks playing ping pong or taking a long lunch with the crew to play discgolf.

Man I miss work lunches now that I’m fully remote

Any other members of the team live near you? Invite them over and get lunch on the company 😂

I do miss the office banter and it does make collaboration easier, but I find I can do work at the times it needs doing instead of an office 9-5

I’ve had the pleasure of working from home at least 3 days a week for more than 20 years. Covid had me working from home full-time for about a year, but then I was happy to be back to hybrid. I see  a lot of value in going in to an office and discussing business with coworkers face-to-face. I also see tremendous value in being able to work from home. Less distractions. less stress because there is no commute and my 4-legged coworker is a great therapist!  

I live and work on site, and see/talk at the most to a handful of people during the week which is why Saturday and Sundays I like a pint down my local. Covid just made things even quieter for me.

Hybrid is definitely the way to go in my opinion. Covid changed the game completely and whilst I do prefer office working for the collaboration and banter, I like having the option and flexibility to work from home If I want to. I think any business in this day and age that doesn't offer some sort of hybrid / Flexi working is living in a dream world. 

Also, LOVE a four legged work companion, we don't deserve dogs, they are good for the soul 🥰

Looks like hybrid/choice works for everyone. Agree James that bosses should offer the option nowadays. Some people still like to be in the office full time but not all and surely the best solution is whichever gets the best results.  

@Jamesharris85  what we do is trying to give it balance. Our company also do it on Hybrid. 

@Jamesharris85  I got 2 4legged work colleagues when I work from home. My 2 cats absolutely love to just come and sit on my lap and tap at my hands when I try to type etc. Love it. Pets own us, we don't own them. 

Too right. They are the boss and we love it!

We used to foster dogs for a hearing charity and it was wonderful. I loved the company, I would get a 4 legged friend myself for home working if I could afford it, but currently the cost of living in the UK is mental. Something to look forward to down the line, my company allow 4 legged friends in the office as well so best of both worlds! :)

In the same boat as you @Jamesharris85 living here in the UK. Work from home but cost of living is making the thought of adding a pet to the household a concern.

We’d love one but not sure right now is the right time.

Ahhh but at least now we've got what feels like our 50th Prime minister in the space of a year I'm sure it will all level out mate! *nervous laughter*

@Jamesharris85  “we've got what feels like our 50th Prime minister in the space of a year” you from South Africa? :-) Thought only here they do that kind of things? Parliament members are changed more often than underwear

Yes, Another month, another change in government! Then we wait for the effects to kick in.

My company have been holding out since the Summer of 2020 for new offices mainly due to COVID, but now also due to the state of the economy in the UK.

We have joined the club. Our current economic state is quite unsettling to say the least with a government who don’t seem to know how to come together for the good of the country. Maybe we’ll be luckier with the latest prime minister and it isn't another flash in the pan!

I work for a giant fruit company that makes electronics. We are hybrid right now. Everyone is supposed to be in the office Tuesday and Thursday, and pick one other day.  That may go back to full time soon. It’s fairly obvious that other big companies have chosen something similar as the highways are horrible too. Tuesday and Thursday, and now Wednesday too are bumper to bumper during commute time. I am hating the commute now. 
 

I’m sure justifying the large buildings is important and why they want people there in the office, but we did very well during Covid times using Slack and WebEx and managed to stay fairly close to schedule.  And WebEx was much better for large meetings than in person IMO. 
 

I absolutely hate politics, as it just play on the emotions and vulnerabilities of people. To have uncertainty in a country we are well acquainted to. To do more with less is the recent fancy word they use. But I am an optimist and think things will really start taking a turn for the better in the very near future. 

“A giant fruit company that makes electronics” hmmmmmmm who could you possiblybe referring to?! 😂

Well, must be blackberry surely?!

That’s pretty funny 😂

Or raspberry pi?!!

Whooooooo?!