Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Eade
There is no doubt that the forced move to more computer-based, individual, work habits has made some fundamental changes in the way work is done.
Instead of trying to book one of the two meeting rooms, workers can now schedule an on-line meeting at a time that best suits those attending. There can be many more meetings happening at any one time than there used to be room for. And, the meeting can include representatives from anywhere, having their speech automatically translated into any preferred language for each attendee. Everyone has access to a ‘white board’ and can immediately transfer supporting documents.
Working from home, individuals can schedule their lives around the tasks that they need to do for work, and vice versa. If they need input from another person, they can send an ‘instant’ message or an e-mail. They can even have an impromptu video-meeting for a few people. Their ‘commute time’ becomes the time it takes to walk from the breakfast table to their home-office. Wear and tear on their personal vehicle is reduced, as is the cost of their vehicle insurance; while their work-related parking fees have been completely eliminated.
Yup, we have reached Utopia – but only for some.
Not everyone thrives on independence, however. There will definitely be those who miss the ‘water-cooler’ chatter; the in-person contact. Not everyone is satisfied to have 1,357,964 ‘friends’ and to Instagram pictures of their lunch from their kitchen.
Just as in school (a time more recent for many on this forum) there were those who thrived doing their work independently; while others needed to be in groups. Those who tried to function in a way that did not support them, likely didn’t succeed. There is a reason that so few graduate, compared to the number who enroll in the first semester of the first year. Not everyone needs the same environment to work their best.
Downtown developed as a place where many workers gather to do their work. This built synergies. There will always be a need for such places.
|
Not all home offices are ideal for work. Children, other family members and even pets can interfere with focus.
The growing lack of separation between work and home life was a problem before covid and has increased dramatically since the pandemic and the Zoom explosion.
I was the type of person who could work from home, before covid, but I chose to do so somewhat infrequently. It was good to work from home at times to avoid the interruptions from coworkers, phones and e-mail. But, some collaborative efforts are informal and best face to face, in my opinion.
However, the Zoom phenomenom with its constant technical glitches (that I experienced repeatedly with great frustration including this week) actually have brought the worst of both worlds. Now, the constant interruptions are at home as well.
I see a great usefulness with Zoom when it is difficult to get people together in person, but I am not sold in all instances, particularly for mentorship and building relationships that are just as important in the workplace as at home.
Hybrid Mode