FabSwingers.com mobile

Join us FREE, we're FREE to use

Web's largest swingers site since 2006.

Already registered?
Login here

Back to forum list
Back to Virus

Are workers more productive at home?

Jump to newest
 

By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago

There was a research done on this and it said that workers got more things done at home and also the bosses thought it was good cos some didnt need to have a physical office and save alot of money in that way, what is your view on this? I agree with the research they did

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *exy_mixed_coupleCouple
over a year ago

Hinckley

Yes this is probably true but working from affects house insurance and you need to heat and power the house where you otherwise wouldn’t so employers need to think about that.

There is also the human and social aspects of work that people are missing. Certainly working from home more is on the cards but I think team building and collaboration should still be face to face.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Yes this is probably true but working from affects house insurance and you need to heat and power the house where you otherwise wouldn’t so employers need to think about that.

There is also the human and social aspects of work that people are missing. Certainly working from home more is on the cards but I think team building and collaboration should still be face to face."

But working from home would mean no commute which means (unless you walk) you would be saving an absolute fortune on travel every day (not to mention saving the planet a little bit), so would probably work itself out in the long run that you might actually have a little more money each month.

Danish x

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *edangel_2013Woman
over a year ago

southend

Not for me it isn't. I'm far more productive at work. But my job is people facing, so if I need information I go and ask the person, I don't have to wait for a memo to come back, usually with not the same amount of info I'd get if I actually spoke to the person.

Plus my job relies heavily on instinct and body language. The information I get from a paper interview is no where near as accurate.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *iss.ddWoman
over a year ago

Leeds + Newcastle

Don't forget you can claim around £6 pp PW back for working at home to counter balance extra heating etc

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I work from home on alternate weeks. My hours are 9 to 5 but, home working sees me regularly starting around 8 and finishing at 6 sometimes later. Not sure if this is down to getting more done or maybe spreading the work out more. I do find I'm less distracted at home but I feel very isolated, I live alone so can go the whole week without seeing anyone which I don't like, I'm a sociable person and enjoy interactions with others so possibly I get more work done but to the detriment of my wellbeing.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *olden RatioWoman
over a year ago

Buckinghamshire

The pandemic has shown employers hands down that employees can be trusted to work from home, which is great. However, the office won’t cease to exist - I believe that they will be used as collaborative hubs to support social interaction and company culture as we move forward with the hybrid style of working.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ungblackbullMan
over a year ago

scotland


"Don't forget you can claim around £6 pp PW back for working at home to counter balance extra heating etc"

If your employer allows you to claim it...

If not, tax relief can be claimed on that £6 which won't go far towards heating the house in the winter.

I have been provided with an office chair by my employer. The weight of it and continual use has caused damage to the carpet. That's what my tax relief will be going towards...

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *wisted999Man
over a year ago

North Bucks

I hate working from home.

I’m less productive and it’s knocked my routine right out of synch. I have autism so I struggle.

We currently bubble one in three weeks in the office. I’m probably going to have to outside this and start back if it gets worse.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

It's not rocket science is it ?

Our company has gone totally home based with a small office presence for key meetings. Should have done it years ago.

We need to do a lot more of this and stop wearing these ruddy masks as the plastic it is creating and extra washing being done if using reusable ones must be phenomenal.

If you are that bothered about other people giving you the virus, stop at home and get your stuff online. That would be much safer.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The reseach was a useless waste of time. It obviously depends entirely on what exactly you do. When the home workers electricity supply goes down and the electricity company says their staff are working from home and someone will get round to them by early next year !!!! That works does it ? Idiots.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"The reseach was a useless waste of time. It obviously depends entirely on what exactly you do. When the home workers electricity supply goes down and the electricity company says their staff are working from home and someone will get round to them by early next year !!!! That works does it ? Idiots. "

The efficient production of strawmen is certainly helped by home working.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *lbinoGorillaMan
over a year ago

Redditch

Granted it won't be work for everyone, as not everyone has a job that can be done from home.

But a lot of people can manage it, and probably should do. The company will save money on office space and the individuals will save time and money on commuting. I imagine most people will value the time most of all.

But this us presumably why the government is now shitting itself that people won't go back to offices and businesses that rely on passing trade will go bust

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Yes for us, fewer distractions and the ability to work collaboratively using MS Teams if required. If you have a good work ethic and don't have a face to face type job then it's definitely the way to go. However it won't suit everyone and isn't appropriate for every job type.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"But this us presumably why the government is now shitting itself that people won't go back to offices and businesses that rely on passing trade will go bust"

I imagine it's more the property companies who let out huge, expensive offices in big cities that they are concerned about, they don't give a shit about the small sandwich shop businesses as they aren't party donors.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Part of my job could be done at home, but some can only be done in the office.

There are also all the phone calls that we deal with all day. There’s no bloody way I want my home invaded by work calls.

I liked being able to go out to work during the lockdown, it never felt I was in a lockdown.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I’m not at all productive when I work from home, I probably get about half of what I get done in the office. That said who have been working from home, are getting more done and whose employers are now saying that people should come into the office 1-2 days a week. A freiand of mine owns a construction and house building company who developed mid range estates; he has just had is architect develop plans for houses with 4-5 bedrooms and a separate office

The reason Boris wants us back in the office is because of investment in for large building projects, the impact loss of new projects will have on the construction industry and finally the impact on pension investment on business property

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Yes this is probably true but working from affects house insurance and you need to heat and power the house where you otherwise wouldn’t so employers need to think about that.

There is also the human and social aspects of work that people are missing. Certainly working from home more is on the cards but I think team building and collaboration should still be face to face.

But working from home would mean no commute which means (unless you walk) you would be saving an absolute fortune on travel every day (not to mention saving the planet a little bit), so would probably work itself out in the long run that you might actually have a little more money each month.

Danish x "

I’m working from home and at the moment save close to £100 a month which is nothing to be scoffed at, and that’s just on travel, god forbid I include how I often I forget my lunch

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm loving it. Saves a fortune on petrol and buying from from the canteen. Don't miss the two hours a day stuck in the car. Always was a bit of a hermit too so I don't miss the constant traffic to my desk

I can see however some of my team are struggling and less productive due to the difficulties of collaborating virtually

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I prefer working from home. You don’t get involved in office chat etc. That suits me.

I have targets which I have hit and exceeded during this time.

I am now back in the office part of the week.

I have saved around £100 a month in fuel plus the odd lunch on occasion

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *otmale5Man
over a year ago

glasgow

I wouldn’t argue with the research as it will of course be true.

My daughter has worked from home since lockdown. It annoys me that her company finds it more beneficial to the business that the workforce remain at home.

I’ve met the cost of setting up my daughters room as an office Which included the installation of cables and computer system. . I pay for the heating , electricity, the internet , Although there are a number of personal benefits I.e costs of travel , etc. I still get annoyed hosting a business in my home with no benefit to myself ..

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I wouldn’t argue with the research as it will of course be true.

My daughter has worked from home since lockdown. It annoys me that her company finds it more beneficial to the business that the workforce remain at home.

I’ve met the cost of setting up my daughters room as an office Which included the installation of cables and computer system. . I pay for the heating , electricity, the internet , Although there are a number of personal benefits I.e costs of travel , etc. I still get annoyed hosting a business in my home with no benefit to myself .. "

You can always kick her out or up her board if you are that pissed off.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I wouldn’t argue with the research as it will of course be true.

My daughter has worked from home since lockdown. It annoys me that her company finds it more beneficial to the business that the workforce remain at home.

I’ve met the cost of setting up my daughters room as an office Which included the installation of cables and computer system. . I pay for the heating , electricity, the internet , Although there are a number of personal benefits I.e costs of travel , etc. I still get annoyed hosting a business in my home with no benefit to myself .. "

Is the benefits to you not the helping of your daughter remaining employed and safer?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ove2pleaseseukMan
over a year ago

Hastings

It is all down to individuals no one is the same. No job is the same. I need to be in work as I repair the machines in the factory etc. But use to work for my self so have an office at home but if you live in a small house with kids it must be hard.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ikeC81Man
over a year ago

harrow

For me my team is remote anyway, and even with the fact I have moved jobs (role not company), my team was in Portugal with my new team in Birmingham

So I have worked remotely for 4 years anyway (2 years with a uk manager), so for me actually it’s just meant I didn’t have to go to brum once every couple of weeks.

I often worked from home, worked from other offices so I could accommodate football. Don’t get me wrong I do miss working with a wider team, chatting about football or politics or general joking

I would say the commute I don’t miss, however I am finding I am adding this on to my day to get all my work done, as I often answered Some emails on the tube home, with a podcast on. So I can slowly de stress.

What I am finding is that I don’t have the split between home life and work. So I come back from gym get ready then start then at 5 ish I still in room playing Xbox or chilling on YouTube

Remote working is always hard especially if you have a quick question to ask someone. You either have to instant message them or email. Our company a lot of people and clients don’t work usual hours so you kinda have to think ahead all the time

I probably will end up going in Tuesday to Thursday and working Monday and Friday from home by the end of the year.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ercuryMan
over a year ago

Grantham

I've pissed loads of people off by working from home.....

.... I'm a Train Driver!

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *mmabluTV/TS
over a year ago

upton wirral


"There was a research done on this and it said that workers got more things done at home and also the bosses thought it was good cos some didnt need to have a physical office and save alot of money in that way, what is your view on this? I agree with the research they did "
Well they are destroying are cities and putting millions out of work,also phycologically long term could cause mental problems,we are social animals

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *otmale5Man
over a year ago

glasgow

No .

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *otmale5Man
over a year ago

glasgow

You do indeed appear to be a rocket ..This is not about my daughter personally.. it’s about companies taking advantage ..As clearly indicated in the post.. so why would I kick my daughter out of her home.. my daughter lives here as she also has without paying anything For the privilege. Some people really need to concentrate on their comprehension. ..

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *eddy and legsCouple
over a year ago

the wetlands


"There was a research done on this and it said that workers got more things done at home and also the bosses thought it was good cos some didnt need to have a physical office and save alot of money in that way, what is your view on this? I agree with the research they did Well they are destroying are cities and putting millions out of work,also phycologically long term could cause mental problems,we are social animals"

Probably better than killing them now, but hey.

And it's "our" not "are" as seems to be the trend nowadays

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *plpxp2Couple
over a year ago

Middlesbrough

For many people working from home is more productive, gives a better work / life balance and saves huge amounts of carbon emissions if you want to hug a penguin.

From companies viewpoint, most workers give more. The ones that take the you know what will do the same thing in the office, so why design a system for the 1%. Also expensive offices are not needed.

There are down sides as it isn't a one size fits all. If you think when you first start leaning a job, the reliance you have on colleagues for development and learning and can this be replicated online?

The shift from towns and cities has a huge impact on service jobs, the business that depend on workers are now in the wrong places. Many office blocks and shopping centres are investment vehicles for pension funds, they are about to take a huge hit as leases are not renewed.

Working from home poses another risk, if you can do you job from home it isn't much of a leap to realise it could be done from Mumbai.

Like it or not the future has been thrust upon us. I'd hope that there is a blended mix or working to give choice to meet the needs of the employee. However the financial hits companies are facing will probably have them considering the bottom line.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *mmabluTV/TS
over a year ago

upton wirral


"For many people working from home is more productive, gives a better work / life balance and saves huge amounts of carbon emissions if you want to hug a penguin.

From companies viewpoint, most workers give more. The ones that take the you know what will do the same thing in the office, so why design a system for the 1%. Also expensive offices are not needed.

There are down sides as it isn't a one size fits all. If you think when you first start leaning a job, the reliance you have on colleagues for development and learning and can this be replicated online?

The shift from towns and cities has a huge impact on service jobs, the business that depend on workers are now in the wrong places. Many office blocks and shopping centres are investment vehicles for pension funds, they are about to take a huge hit as leases are not renewed.

Working from home poses another risk, if you can do you job from home it isn't much of a leap to realise it could be done from Mumbai.

Like it or not the future has been thrust upon us. I'd hope that there is a blended mix or working to give choice to meet the needs of the employee. However the financial hits companies are facing will probably have them considering the bottom line.

"
So to you it is better for milions to lose there job and people lose the ability to be together.Sounds a science fiction nighmare to me

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

i think alot of company's are looking at this working from/at home and thinking how much money can be saved in office space rentals + the tax relief for workers working from home

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *astyEricMan
over a year ago

Hull

Tell that to farmers, that they will be more productive at home LOL

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *iger4uWoman
over a year ago

In my happy place


"I wouldn’t argue with the research as it will of course be true.

My daughter has worked from home since lockdown. It annoys me that her company finds it more beneficial to the business that the workforce remain at home.

I’ve met the cost of setting up my daughters room as an office Which included the installation of cables and computer system. . I pay for the heating , electricity, the internet , Although there are a number of personal benefits I.e costs of travel , etc. I still get annoyed hosting a business in my home with no benefit to myself .. "

Let your daughter be an adult and let her sort things and contribute extra.

Too soft.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *izandpaulCouple
over a year ago

merseyside

I've worked from home and along with my colleagues have been judged as productive.

This is a bit of bad news to us all.

We work abroad, have done for years and like most people who work overseas and have done for a while, we absolutely love it and miss it, especially the strangers you meet in hotels, airports and taxi ranks.

Last year I was standing in a hotel reception near the exit and an elderly Indian man stood next to me and struck up a conversation, asked if I was flying to Heathrow etc, etc. His hotel bus arrived and he turned to me shook my hand and said "It's been nice chatting to you, I will probably never see you again in my life but I've enjoyed our short time together" and off he went.

The drop out rate in the early stages is massive, loads like the idea but when Mr Reality knocks it's a different matter.

I miss family but have a love hate relationship with the packing at home and the trip to the airport.

If this time has done nothing else, it makes you take stock and have a think...and I think I'm a lucky fella having a great job and an even better wife and family.

I'll still complain though..

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ackformore100Man
over a year ago

Tin town


"I wouldn’t argue with the research as it will of course be true.

My daughter has worked from home since lockdown. It annoys me that her company finds it more beneficial to the business that the workforce remain at home.

I’ve met the cost of setting up my daughters room as an office Which included the installation of cables and computer system. . I pay for the heating , electricity, the internet , Although there are a number of personal benefits I.e costs of travel , etc. I still get annoyed hosting a business in my home with no benefit to myself ..

Let your daughter be an adult and let her sort things and contribute extra.

Too soft. "

Interesting observation.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *uckandbunnyCouple
over a year ago

In your bed


"For many people working from home is more productive, gives a better work / life balance and saves huge amounts of carbon emissions if you want to hug a penguin.

From companies viewpoint, most workers give more. The ones that take the you know what will do the same thing in the office, so why design a system for the 1%. Also expensive offices are not needed.

There are down sides as it isn't a one size fits all. If you think when you first start leaning a job, the reliance you have on colleagues for development and learning and can this be replicated online?

The shift from towns and cities has a huge impact on service jobs, the business that depend on workers are now in the wrong places. Many office blocks and shopping centres are investment vehicles for pension funds, they are about to take a huge hit as leases are not renewed.

Working from home poses another risk, if you can do you job from home it isn't much of a leap to realise it could be done from Mumbai.

Like it or not the future has been thrust upon us. I'd hope that there is a blended mix or working to give choice to meet the needs of the employee. However the financial hits companies are facing will probably have them considering the bottom line.

So to you it is better for milions to lose there job and people lose the ability to be together.Sounds a science fiction nighmare to me"

You seem to have not read their post, it was very balanced.

Where as you seem to have picked a couple of lines and knee jerked to that.

Try to read it in context.

For what it's worth I agree this will be a way of working that suits some roles and some people better than others.

For me working from an office was a daft formality. My team was spread over the country, my line manager over 100 miles away. The people I worked next to knew nothing about my job or my role.

The office added nothing other than the cost of time and travel there and back everyday.

I know lots of people who love it and some who hate it. Most who hate it miss the social aspects (which is ironic when that people want to come to work for a social).

But of all the people who said they would be back as soon as they could, well 1 turned up. They did half a day and left.

The reality of commuting can dispel the fantasy of the office social environment.

But put simply if the job can be done at home, let the worker and there manager decide what is best for business.

The government and right wing press can't run anything other than failing organisations that are losing there relevance.

A one size fits all approach is not the solution.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ikeC81Man
over a year ago

harrow


"For many people working from home is more productive, gives a better work / life balance and saves huge amounts of carbon emissions if you want to hug a penguin.

From companies viewpoint, most workers give more. The ones that take the you know what will do the same thing in the office, so why design a system for the 1%. Also expensive offices are not needed.

There are down sides as it isn't a one size fits all. If you think when you first start leaning a job, the reliance you have on colleagues for development and learning and can this be replicated online?

The shift from towns and cities has a huge impact on service jobs, the business that depend on workers are now in the wrong places. Many office blocks and shopping centres are investment vehicles for pension funds, they are about to take a huge hit as leases are not renewed.

Working from home poses another risk, if you can do you job from home it isn't much of a leap to realise it could be done from Mumbai.

Like it or not the future has been thrust upon us. I'd hope that there is a blended mix or working to give choice to meet the needs of the employee. However the financial hits companies are facing will probably have them considering the bottom line.

"

I worked with a offshore Indian team for 3 years and I will tell you what the amount of crap that was sent over was appalling. We had the same guy in team for 2 years and everything had to be documented in sop and if it changed from one month to the next the guy still didn’t do it correctly Even though we explained what to do

We do have a offshore team at the moment in Europe who are ok, though they do like asking questions

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *om and JennieCouple
over a year ago

Chams or Socials

I am. No daily chit-chat or distractions. I have nearly 30 hours of flexi time - I’ve not built up any flexi since having kids as it was always used for school appointments.

I hated it at first but now work from home 3 days a week

J x

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

It's going to depend on the people, as well as what they are doing. The working time directives eere a helpful pointer towards people being expected to have strict limits on their working hours. Uk culture has been poor for the long hours expectations and often the silly assignments of long hours equalling high quality staff and productivity.

Habits can be hard to break, especially where group norms, competitivity and the longer term trends are for higher job insecurity and terms and conditions, including pay, being undermined by a race to the bottom that's existed.

Some people will gravitate towards performing better with others around them, whilst others will be the opposite. Their specific tasks in hand will also be more likely to better in some environments.

It's great that there's more flexibility and evaluation. Likely more research will be done, that increases our understanding and it helps people to become more satisfied, with greater autonomy and control of their working life.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *moothman2000Man
over a year ago

Leicestershire

I think there can be an increase in productivity, but it doesn't work for everyone.

I've found not having people turning up at my desk unannounced to 'just ask a quick question' and getting dragged into meetings all over the place has certainly given me time I never used to have.

Not travelling to and from the office every morning and ironing shirts has also given me some time back as well, although the hours I'm working have increased slightly.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *iddle ManMan
over a year ago

Walsall

I'm sorry to say but the days of the big office buildings are numbered, if technology didn't bring this change along in the future this pandemic certainly has.

Much like we've all known the days of the high street are doomed. The office party is next on the list.

Big employers have been forced to realise that it is possible and they will save a crap load of money in the process so like it or not, this is one change this pandemic has brought upon the workforce. We wait to see what else will fall by the way side as we're not even past the intro of the economic sting of this virus.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *moothman2000Man
over a year ago

Leicestershire

Personally, I think a lot of companies have pondered the possibility of having a home based workforce in the past but shied away from it for various reasons.

Coronavirus left them with the option of either giving it a go or going under.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site) OP   
over a year ago


"Yes this is probably true but working from affects house insurance and you need to heat and power the house where you otherwise wouldn’t so employers need to think about that.

There is also the human and social aspects of work that people are missing. Certainly working from home more is on the cards but I think team building and collaboration should still be face to face.

But working from home would mean no commute which means (unless you walk) you would be saving an absolute fortune on travel every day (not to mention saving the planet a little bit), so would probably work itself out in the long run that you might actually have a little more money each month.

Danish x "
That is a good point as you would also save alot of money from all the travelling aa well

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *izandpaulCouple
over a year ago

merseyside

Also noticed how little I've used my car, just the odd journey to supermarket and beach.

Walking a lot more.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I admit to liking the flexibility of being at home half the week but I'm not productive. That could partly be to how I feel about my role though.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

If your job can be done at home could someone else do it offshore at a fraction of the cost ? Just a thought .

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"If your job can be done at home could someone else do it offshore at a fraction of the cost ? Just a thought ."

That's absolutely a risk but also one that assumes massive companies haven't already thought about that.

Just because you can do your job from home doesn't mean anyone could do it from home, there's a reason people were employed in the first place and a reason they have kept their jobs. People so often underestimate the skills other people need to do their jobs.

I can do some of my job at home but a lot of it (the fun bits) requires face to face contact. I assume there are a lot of people like me out there for whom 'working from home' means not requiring an office, rather than doing all their work at home.

I hope that what the pandemic has shown us is that the bums on seats mentality is a thing of the past and that while offices may still be required they can be much smaller and used for pieces of work where people genuinely need top be in the same room rather than being forced to endure long daily commutes because their paranoid mangers have a desperate need for control.

The world has changed and we need to change with it, he past is lovely to visit but it's not somewhere anyone should want to live.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *uckandbunnyCouple
over a year ago

In your bed


"If your job can be done at home could someone else do it offshore at a fraction of the cost ? Just a thought ."

Yes, but how secure will it be to employ someone who operates under a different legal system.

Its always been possible to outsource offshore.

Many companies already do, again the type of work is key as some roles can be done anywhere others that require the transfer of customer data may carry higher risks.

But if an office was the only reason for a job not being exported then it was only ever a temporary block as more and more companies hire more diverse workforces across the world.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

In a global market it will be interesting to see if the predicted decline of office use in the U.K. transpires When you look at the numbers of workers in Europe returning to the office.It begs the question what do we know that they haven't sussed out yet especially when you consider their apparent superior internet networks

Workers returned to office %

U.K. 34%

France 84%

Germany 70%

Italy 76%

Spain 73%

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *moothman2000Man
over a year ago

Leicestershire


"In a global market it will be interesting to see if the predicted decline of office use in the U.K. transpires When you look at the numbers of workers in Europe returning to the office.It begs the question what do we know that they haven't sussed out yet especially when you consider their apparent superior internet networks

Workers returned to office %

U.K. 34%

France 84%

Germany 70%

Italy 76%

Spain 73%"

I guess it really depends on what definition of 'returned to office' was used.

The U.K. has a large service contingent whilst Spain would be largely tourism based and Germany has engineering, so I dare say that might also affect what can, and can't, be done remotely.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *eddy and legsCouple
over a year ago

the wetlands


"In a global market it will be interesting to see if the predicted decline of office use in the U.K. transpires When you look at the numbers of workers in Europe returning to the office.It begs the question what do we know that they haven't sussed out yet especially when you consider their apparent superior internet networks

Workers returned to office %

U.K. 34%

France 84%

Germany 70%

Italy 76%

Spain 73%"

Probably a good indicator of manufacturing and output

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"In a global market it will be interesting to see if the predicted decline of office use in the U.K. transpires When you look at the numbers of workers in Europe returning to the office.It begs the question what do we know that they haven't sussed out yet especially when you consider their apparent superior internet networks

Workers returned to office %

U.K. 34%

France 84%

Germany 70%

Italy 76%

Spain 73%

I guess it really depends on what definition of 'returned to office' was used.

The U.K. has a large service contingent whilst Spain would be largely tourism based and Germany has engineering, so I dare say that might also affect what can, and can't, be done remotely."

Apparently these figures are based on office workers. There are other figures for total workforce.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *iddle ManMan
over a year ago

Walsall


"If your job can be done at home could someone else do it offshore at a fraction of the cost ? Just a thought ."

This will be come another huge problem, as company's realise workers can do it from home, then they will realise that the job can be done by anyone offshore for a fraction of the price. A few years back now there was a drive to have call centres in some far flung places around the globe but after huge customer feedback a large proportion of UK based companies realised the interaction of UK customers didn't work so good and it became a selling point to have UK based call centres again.

That won't really happen if your job requires no face to face or voice to voice interaction.

It's a huge shame as this is one area that the pandemic has caused that many didn't see coming, well not for a few years at least.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've been less productive I'm at home on my own with two children that needed home schooling juggling both meant both slipped.

On top of that I suffer issues that need a proper desk set up whilst I have my office chair I have a laptop on my dining room table which has flared up my problems and caused me pain and more migraines than usual meaning I'm having to rest and take breaks and time off.

I miss the social interaction and in my role I upwards manage which is much easier face to face. I'm looking forward to finally going back to the office.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Working from home was direction of travel for some sectors. Covid has just speeded it up. Personally I like not having to communte. Constantly getting bugs from train. Always being late due to trains. I never spent in sandwich shops anyway. Online was always growing so again just accelerating the growth that was coming. I can see the need for people to interact and meet as teams. This is bad news for city and town centres. Bad news for bricks and morter shops. Bad news for office buildings.bad news for employers who don't trust home working. It's a sad fact that more jobs will go. However working habbits will change.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *iguy for funMan
over a year ago

CIRENCESTER

my guess is that part of this is to do with housing and where you live in relation to where you work. As many people have mentioned they all live miles from where they work (why is the obvious question? house price versus earnings would be my guess). Does anyone want to travel two hours to work? well if I have to but if i can opt out of that then no. Where i work a lost of people got in early to get a parking space and fannyied around for an hour. Are they more effective working from home? probably but that's because of their previous lack of discipline. Would love to see thoughts re productivity from parents who have been home learning or with pre school age kids.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"my guess is that part of this is to do with housing and where you live in relation to where you work. As many people have mentioned they all live miles from where they work (why is the obvious question? house price versus earnings would be my guess). Does anyone want to travel two hours to work? well if I have to but if i can opt out of that then no. Where i work a lost of people got in early to get a parking space and fannyied around for an hour. Are they more effective working from home? probably but that's because of their previous lack of discipline. Would love to see thoughts re productivity from parents who have been home learning or with pre school age kids. "

We managed live, online teaching/advising of students (sometimes simultaneously), with a 3yo at home from March to June. Our productivity didn't drop. Our working hours increased exponentially, our stress levels went through the roof and we ate a lot of quick lunches. I'm so ready to go back to the college, but we're on a rota in/out thing for the foreseeable and I'm not allowed to travel in for a few weeks due to surgery anyway. Sigh.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ancs_tgirl_38TV/TS
over a year ago

Blackpool

If your rich and posh in big house's like the media showcase every day, Maybe. if you live in a one bed flat, maybe not so much.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"If your rich and posh in big house's like the media showcase every day, Maybe. if you live in a one bed flat, maybe not so much. "

Not all flats are cheap, not all houses are expensive in relation to some flats.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago

Dubai & Nottingham

My masseuse is busy fixing people’s backs who now work from their bed , never been busier. We are gonna have a huge health issue in a few years. If you are new to work from home you need to be standing not slumped in bed or on a sofa to prevent back injury (and burn calories) and very disciplined or productivity is super low. Limit your wanks, have one a day max as a reward when the to do list is done

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *elly babesCouple
over a year ago

Manchester

Yup it's the office real estate and transport industry who say they are not . The penny has dropped.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By * Plus ECouple
over a year ago

The South

I've not had any mail through the letterbox for a fortnight, apparently my postie is working from home.

I think it's a mixed bag, some jobs can be carried out effectively from home, some can't.

Some people work well in isolation, some don't.

Depends on the job and the person I suppose.

E

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *llabouttheladyMan
over a year ago

Wakefield

Fuck no

Teams meeting by phone whilst sat in the garden whilst all those on the coal face (production) do the graft.

I’ve seen supervisors and managers looking like they’ve been to Turkey for 2 weeks in May whilst the grafters carry on with a bottle of Dettol and some wet wipes.

No, no, no

Get to work ffs

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"My masseuse is busy fixing people’s backs who now work from their bed , never been busier. We are gonna have a huge health issue in a few years. If you are new to work from home you need to be standing not slumped in bed or on a sofa to prevent back injury (and burn calories) and very disciplined or productivity is super low. Limit your wanks, have one a day max as a reward when the to do list is done "

Any magical WFH recommendations for those of us who can't stand for more than a minute or two, and even then, only on 1 leg?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *arkus1812Man
over a year ago

Lifes departure lounge NN9 Northamptonshire East not West MidlandsMidlands


"Working from home was direction of travel for some sectors. Covid has just speeded it up. Personally I like not having to communte. Constantly getting bugs from train. Always being late due to trains. I never spent in sandwich shops anyway. Online was always growing so again just accelerating the growth that was coming. I can see the need for people to interact and meet as teams. This is bad news for city and town centres. Bad news for bricks and morter shops. Bad news for office buildings.bad news for employers who don't trust home working. It's a sad fact that more jobs will go. However working habbits will change. "

Add to that bad news for your Pension Fund.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *llabouttheladyMan
over a year ago

Wakefield

That comes under the equality act as a disability - talk to your union rep, reasonable adjustments, i’d sort it for you.

The 1 wank a day still stands for eyesight purposes though

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"That comes under the equality act as a disability - talk to your union rep, reasonable adjustments, i’d sort it for you.

The 1 wank a day still stands for eyesight purposes though"

Was that aimed at my comment? Yeah there's a dead simple solution. It's called sitting down

I just get irritated at catch-all suggestions where people think everyone is the same. Just stand up. Do 10,000 steps a day. Blah blah. I can push myself in a wheelchair for a half marathon, including up some jolly steep hills. Everyone can do that, obviously

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

Depends what line of work you do.

If you are an office worker, then you could be more productive. If you are a machine operator, baggage handler then I doubt if they would be very productive at home.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"Depends what line of work you do.

If you are an office worker, then you could be more productive. If you are a machine operator, baggage handler then I doubt if they would be very productive at home."

I'm certain some of the baggage handlers at Manchester Airport must work from home. That would explain the level of damage caused to bags - being lobbed onto the carousel from 20 miles away

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *llabouttheladyMan
over a year ago

Wakefield

Not at all

There are many people who need consideration and adjustments to be able to work and more importantly contribute their valuable skills and knowledge to an organisation/company.

For those who don’t need such consideration, who are enjoying life out of the office, enjoying the extra hour (and more) in bed, the smaller ironing pile

Whilst blue collar workers (aka key workers) keep clocking on

whilst the local sandwich shop, cafe, pub (aka local economy) struggles

Get yer arses out of bed, get to work, show your face, otherwise the demanning exercise that happened in blue collar industry will be coming to an office near you soon

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"

Whilst blue collar workers (aka key workers) keep clocking on

whilst the local sandwich shop, cafe, pub (aka local economy) struggles

Get yer arses out of bed, get to work, show your face, otherwise the demanning exercise that happened in blue collar industry will be coming to an office near you soon

"

Are you suggesting non-blue collar workers who, through no choice of theirs, are WFH are contributing any less to the economy? Last time I checked, my work (enforced from home right now) generates revenue. I pay significant tax and NI. I've spent my money in the supermarket/shops, nursery fees, I pay my bills, mortgage etc. Is that not contributing to the economy??

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *llabouttheladyMan
over a year ago

Wakefield

Not at all

I’m suggesting white collar workers are being just as productive at home - laying in bed - sitting in the garden - drinking pimms - getting a tan - during lockdown - as they were in turning in to the office doing a 9-5 day.

So

From a business point of view, if we review it, apply all the fancy dancy “tools” that have been applied to blue collar (Lean, Six Sigma et al) can white collar productivity be improved?

I’ve seen the tans, I’ve even seen the garden office set-ups

Meanwhile - blue collar got a bottle of Dettol and some wet wipes (recently some face masks)

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"Not at all

I’m suggesting white collar workers are being just as productive at home - laying in bed - sitting in the garden - drinking pimms - getting a tan - during lockdown - as they were in turning in to the office doing a 9-5 day.

So

From a business point of view, if we review it, apply all the fancy dancy “tools” that have been applied to blue collar (Lean, Six Sigma et al) can white collar productivity be improved?

I’ve seen the tans, I’ve even seen the garden office set-ups

Meanwhile - blue collar got a bottle of Dettol and some wet wipes (recently some face masks)

"

There was no Pimms or anything else in this home working facility. I was paid today for the hours 10-6. I worked 9-7, ate a sandwich whilst on a Teams call in lieu of lunch and I will still only get paid for the normal hours. I'm going to be working over the weekend too. Again, I won't be paid extra. I'm failing to see how this sounds like a beach holiday or easy life?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *llabouttheladyMan
over a year ago

Wakefield

Put it this way, I work for a multi-billion global company

Blue collar production was cut way back in the 1990’s through technology and automation, there is nothing left to cut.

Meanwhile, white collar has been enjoying air conditioned, clean office space riding on established numbered.

Covid has shown that those numbers are up for review.

My advice

Join a union and get ready

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"Put it this way, I work for a multi-billion global company

Blue collar production was cut way back in the 1990’s through technology and automation, there is nothing left to cut.

Meanwhile, white collar has been enjoying air conditioned, clean office space riding on established numbered.

Covid has shown that those numbers are up for review.

My advice

Join a union and get ready "

I'm in one, ta. It's currently coming up with a million and one reasons for us not to go back to the physical workplace, while everyone I work with who are in the union want to just get on with their jobs and would go back tomorrow if permitted. Unions aren't all they're cracked up to be at times. But, they mi negotiate me a better redundancy deal if things go tits up, so I'll keep paying my subs. I shan't be following their advice to refuse to enter my workplace though.

PS: Quote and reply is your friend

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *llabouttheladyMan
over a year ago

Wakefield


"Put it this way, I work for a multi-billion global company

Blue collar production was cut way back in the 1990’s through technology and automation, there is nothing left to cut.

Meanwhile, white collar has been enjoying air conditioned, clean office space riding on established numbered.

Covid has shown that those numbers are up for review.

My advice

Join a union and get ready

I'm in one, ta. It's currently coming up with a million and one reasons for us not to go back to the physical workplace, while everyone I work with who are in the union want to just get on with their jobs and would go back tomorrow if permitted. Unions aren't all they're cracked up to be at times. But, they mi negotiate me a better redundancy deal if things go tits up, so I'll keep paying my subs. I shan't be following their advice to refuse to enter my workplace though.

PS: Quote and reply is your friend "

Thanks - I never know which one to click.

Fuck em then - they should know it’s vital to get troops back on the ground - if it’s safe - to protect what you have.

Problem is, there are too few people who are willing to do the role which leaves employees at the mercy of dumb-fuckers in rep roles.

Stand your ground and challenge them

It looks like you have the ability

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago

Dubai & Nottingham


"My masseuse is busy fixing people’s backs who now work from their bed , never been busier. We are gonna have a huge health issue in a few years. If you are new to work from home you need to be standing not slumped in bed or on a sofa to prevent back injury (and burn calories) and very disciplined or productivity is super low. Limit your wanks, have one a day max as a reward when the to do list is done

Any magical WFH recommendations for those of us who can't stand for more than a minute or two, and even then, only on 1 leg? "

Just build up to it slowly. Have an upside down crate, bottle bin or small table on the main table so you can switch between sitting and standing , you will get really tired at first but after a few months it becomes so normal you refuse to sit as it feels so unhealthy. Your core, back, bum and legs will definitely thank you for persisting and you will get 5x the steps so lose a lot of weight too

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"My masseuse is busy fixing people’s backs who now work from their bed , never been busier. We are gonna have a huge health issue in a few years. If you are new to work from home you need to be standing not slumped in bed or on a sofa to prevent back injury (and burn calories) and very disciplined or productivity is super low. Limit your wanks, have one a day max as a reward when the to do list is done

Any magical WFH recommendations for those of us who can't stand for more than a minute or two, and even then, only on 1 leg?

Just build up to it slowly. Have an upside down crate, bottle bin or small table on the main table so you can switch between sitting and standing , you will get really tired at first but after a few months it becomes so normal you refuse to sit as it feels so unhealthy. Your core, back, bum and legs will definitely thank you for persisting and you will get 5x the steps so lose a lot of weight too"

Not sure that all the attempting to stand/walk I've done for the last 3yrs will suddenly work now. I have permenant nerve damage, meaning my leg and hip mus simply don't work. I cannot stand up - not through lack of desire or effort, but physical disability. It's pretty irritating to be blithely informed that just trying a bit harder will suddenly work.

My mate from wheelchair basketball with spina bifida can't stand for even a solitary second - he'd fully deck someone who tried to tell him that just practicing for a few minutes a day would mean he could drag his sorry backside out of his wheelchair

Just remember, not everyone can stand, not everyone can walk, not everyone can run. Not everyone can dribble a basketball, whilst pushing a metal chair at high speed and simultaneously dodging and weaving round opposition players. We can't all be perfect *shrug*

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West

Oh and PS: yes, I need to lose weight, thanks for pointing that out. But the whole 10,000 steps thing - yeah. Technical issues.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago

Dubai & Nottingham


"Oh and PS: yes, I need to lose weight, thanks for pointing that out. But the whole 10,000 steps thing - yeah. Technical issues. "

I used have nerve root block injections and have nerve damage too from ruptured disks. Life's tough sometimes.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"Oh and PS: yes, I need to lose weight, thanks for pointing that out. But the whole 10,000 steps thing - yeah. Technical issues.

I used have nerve root block injections and have nerve damage too from ruptured disks. Life's tough sometimes."

Yes, life is tough. But nerve root injections do not restore lost function to damaged nerves. They block the pain. Yes, I've had them too. My pal with spina bifida? Should I suggest that the last 47 years of his life have been a sham, and he should just try harder? I'm sure he'll be successful. Well, maybe after his wife scrapes him off the floor. This is a man who broke one of his legs transferring off the sofa to his wheelchair and didn't notice. Because he can't feel his legs at all. His leg was broken for about a week before he realised (it went a funny colour). Perhaps my friend with an amputation should wish his leg back and he could try harder to stand/walk?

Accept it please. Not everyone can stand or walk. Disc issues or not, you seem able to stand and to walk. Other people cannot. That's life, yes, but no amount of making sweeping suggestions is going to make everyone like you.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham


"Depends what line of work you do.

If you are an office worker, then you could be more productive. If you are a machine operator, baggage handler then I doubt if they would be very productive at home.

I'm certain some of the baggage handlers at Manchester Airport must work from home. That would explain the level of damage caused to bags - being lobbed onto the carousel from 20 miles away "

You make that sound like a bad thing

If you flew in a 757, the bags get chucked the length of the hold, then get stacked one on top of each other.

There is also the trip from the belts to the aircraft, that sees several bags fall off the trailer and slide for a few yards.

So there are other reasons your bags got damaged

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *isfits behaving badlyCouple
over a year ago

Coventry

Many businesses spend a lot of money investing in the best layout, design and facilities to create the most productive working environment. They wouldn't do this if the environment that people have to work in (especially together) had no impact on proformance. For many businesses the office is the place for optimum output and team proformance.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *isfits behaving badlyCouple
over a year ago

Coventry


"Put it this way, I work for a multi-billion global company

Blue collar production was cut way back in the 1990’s through technology and automation, there is nothing left to cut.

Meanwhile, white collar has been enjoying air conditioned, clean office space riding on established numbered.

Covid has shown that those numbers are up for review.

My advice

Join a union and get ready "

AI is a huge threat to White collar jobs which to be fair have been under attack for years anyway. As many University leavers are finding. The thing about software is once its developed its easy to replicate and put on to fairly cheap PC's. It will become cheaper to replace thinking job (white collar) than it will to replace doing jobs (blue collar). For example a PC with powerful AI that can do a thinking job may cost £1000. A complex robot that could replace a hotel cleaner may cost £30,000. So who are companies going to be keen to replace? The £50k a year white collar worker with a £1k PC or the £18k a year cleaner with a £30k robot?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Put it this way, I work for a multi-billion global company

Blue collar production was cut way back in the 1990’s through technology and automation, there is nothing left to cut.

Meanwhile, white collar has been enjoying air conditioned, clean office space riding on established numbered.

Covid has shown that those numbers are up for review.

My advice

Join a union and get ready

AI is a huge threat to White collar jobs which to be fair have been under attack for years anyway. As many University leavers are finding. The thing about software is once its developed its easy to replicate and put on to fairly cheap PC's. It will become cheaper to replace thinking job (white collar) than it will to replace doing jobs (blue collar). For example a PC with powerful AI that can do a thinking job may cost £1000. A complex robot that could replace a hotel cleaner may cost £30,000. So who are companies going to be keen to replace? The £50k a year white collar worker with a £1k PC or the £18k a year cleaner with a £30k robot? "

1k for the PC still requires many millions for the investment in the tech stack. Behind the machine also needs people. Those people with skills an developing AI ML etc are not cheap either. Machine cannot think like humans and have no sense of context.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *isfits behaving badlyCouple
over a year ago

Coventry


"Put it this way, I work for a multi-billion global company

Blue collar production was cut way back in the 1990’s through technology and automation, there is nothing left to cut.

Meanwhile, white collar has been enjoying air conditioned, clean office space riding on established numbered.

Covid has shown that those numbers are up for review.

My advice

Join a union and get ready

AI is a huge threat to White collar jobs which to be fair have been under attack for years anyway. As many University leavers are finding. The thing about software is once its developed its easy to replicate and put on to fairly cheap PC's. It will become cheaper to replace thinking job (white collar) than it will to replace doing jobs (blue collar). For example a PC with powerful AI that can do a thinking job may cost £1000. A complex robot that could replace a hotel cleaner may cost £30,000. So who are companies going to be keen to replace? The £50k a year white collar worker with a £1k PC or the £18k a year cleaner with a £30k robot?

1k for the PC still requires many millions for the investment in the tech stack. Behind the machine also needs people. Those people with skills an developing AI ML etc are not cheap either. Machine cannot think like humans and have no sense of context."

Granted its a simplification. I do have I idea of development cost and (a more in depth) understanding of the ongoing support contracts that support such systems. But the point is unchanged the next workplace revolution targets many of the thinking and also the creative jobs. AI is even helping to create AI. It threatens many 'middle class' jobs. Yet in many blue collar jobs that haven't already been replaced are not economic to replace. For example imagine the development, support and purchase cost of making a robot that can replace the guy on minimal wage who valets the inside of your car at the local car wash? Do you think at £8.72/hour they have to worry about massively expensive tech replacing them? Now imagine the guy on £25/hr, plus bonuses, plus good pension scheme who could be replaced by a computer running all be it an expensive system? An the cost of such tech is always coming down. I don't think its a matter that just diversifying the job marked will sort. Unless everyone plans to find new jobs as pet groomers, masseuses or spiritual guidance advisors.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ETSHAVEFUN1Man
over a year ago

bromsgrove

Honest question.

How many of you who "work from home"

Actually work an 8 hour day?????.

Be honest

Start 8 am finish 430.pm 30min lunch

I wonder

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *edangel_2013Woman
over a year ago

southend


"Honest question.

How many of you who "work from home"

Actually work an 8 hour day?????.

Be honest

Start 8 am finish 430.pm 30min lunch

I wonder"

I start work at 8am, finish at 4pm. I get an hours paid lunch in that time. I 'work' most of my actual working day.

However, in my office, we are not allowed mobile phones (as in, a prison sentence if you are found with one), I don't have that restriction at home, so I'm a lot less productive.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ETSHAVEFUN1Man
over a year ago

bromsgrove

Ambulance chasers,

Insurance

Loans

Call centre

?????

Give up what is you do from home

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"Honest question.

How many of you who "work from home"

Actually work an 8 hour day?????.

Be honest

Start 8 am finish 430.pm 30min lunch

I wonder"

Yesterday I worked 09.00 till 18.30. I ate a sandwich on a Teams call while trying to plan a timetable with a colleague and I took 15 mins from 17.15-17.30 to collect my daughter from nursery. Then I continued working when she got home. Today was a short day, as I had an appointment to leave for at 16.30. I started at 08.50, ate hummus and pitta whilst talking (on Teams) to a colleague about our virtual learning environment. I take my iPhone (work issued) to the fucking bathroom with me, so I can reply to the incessant Teams messages and emails.

I am producing work enough for at least two people from my home.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Honest question.

How many of you who "work from home"

Actually work an 8 hour day?????.

Be honest

Start 8 am finish 430.pm 30min lunch

I wonder"

.technically I am classed as working from home, have been for the last 3 years. But my job has me visiting clients all over the south east.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Honest question.

How many of you who "work from home"

Actually work an 8 hour day?????.

Be honest

Start 8 am finish 430.pm 30min lunch

I wonder

Yesterday I worked 09.00 till 18.30. I ate a sandwich on a Teams call while trying to plan a timetable with a colleague and I took 15 mins from 17.15-17.30 to collect my daughter from nursery. Then I continued working when she got home. Today was a short day, as I had an appointment to leave for at 16.30. I started at 08.50, ate hummus and pitta whilst talking (on Teams) to a colleague about our virtual learning environment. I take my iPhone (work issued) to the fucking bathroom with me, so I can reply to the incessant Teams messages and emails.

I am producing work enough for at least two people from my home. "

You need to figure out your work life not work work balance. Because your home is your work/work is your home its hard to switch off. But you absolutely need to set mental barriers. I don't know your situation but if you are so busy sounds like you need to bring back someone from furlough or recruit if it's impacting you this much sounds like you need more resource.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Put it this way, I work for a multi-billion global company

Blue collar production was cut way back in the 1990’s through technology and automation, there is nothing left to cut.

Meanwhile, white collar has been enjoying air conditioned, clean office space riding on established numbered.

Covid has shown that those numbers are up for review.

My advice

Join a union and get ready

AI is a huge threat to White collar jobs which to be fair have been under attack for years anyway. As many University leavers are finding. The thing about software is once its developed its easy to replicate and put on to fairly cheap PC's. It will become cheaper to replace thinking job (white collar) than it will to replace doing jobs (blue collar). For example a PC with powerful AI that can do a thinking job may cost £1000. A complex robot that could replace a hotel cleaner may cost £30,000. So who are companies going to be keen to replace? The £50k a year white collar worker with a £1k PC or the £18k a year cleaner with a £30k robot?

1k for the PC still requires many millions for the investment in the tech stack. Behind the machine also needs people. Those people with skills an developing AI ML etc are not cheap either. Machine cannot think like humans and have no sense of context.

Granted its a simplification. I do have I idea of development cost and (a more in depth) understanding of the ongoing support contracts that support such systems. But the point is unchanged the next workplace revolution targets many of the thinking and also the creative jobs. AI is even helping to create AI. It threatens many 'middle class' jobs. Yet in many blue collar jobs that haven't already been replaced are not economic to replace. For example imagine the development, support and purchase cost of making a robot that can replace the guy on minimal wage who valets the inside of your car at the local car wash? Do you think at £8.72/hour they have to worry about massively expensive tech replacing them? Now imagine the guy on £25/hr, plus bonuses, plus good pension scheme who could be replaced by a computer running all be it an expensive system? An the cost of such tech is always coming down. I don't think its a matter that just diversifying the job marked will sort. Unless everyone plans to find new jobs as pet groomers, masseuses or spiritual guidance advisors. "

In my line of work AI tends to do the boring jobs freeing up my time to do the jobs AI doesn't have the ability to do which I couldn't do as effective before. But it still needs human input. AI has no feelings everything is squares and boxes so not quite got the human touch. Although eventually that will come.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *aughtyBlokeKentMan
over a year ago

Kent/Gatwick area


"

I have been provided with an office chair by my employer. The weight of it and continual use has caused damage to the carpet. That's what my tax relief will be going towards..."
Most domestic carpets arent hard-wearing enough to cope with office chairs. I asked my company for a plastic mat that's designed to protect carpet and help the casters to run smoothly. Might be worth trying that to avoid it wrecking your next carpet. Also, some rug doctor-type of cleaners have comb rollers that help to lift the pile again (not loop pile) if it's just been flattened. Working from home is incredibly educational on such matters! Lol

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *inky_couple2020Couple
over a year ago

North West


"Honest question.

How many of you who "work from home"

Actually work an 8 hour day?????.

Be honest

Start 8 am finish 430.pm 30min lunch

I wonder

Yesterday I worked 09.00 till 18.30. I ate a sandwich on a Teams call while trying to plan a timetable with a colleague and I took 15 mins from 17.15-17.30 to collect my daughter from nursery. Then I continued working when she got home. Today was a short day, as I had an appointment to leave for at 16.30. I started at 08.50, ate hummus and pitta whilst talking (on Teams) to a colleague about our virtual learning environment. I take my iPhone (work issued) to the fucking bathroom with me, so I can reply to the incessant Teams messages and emails.

I am producing work enough for at least two people from my home.

You need to figure out your work life not work work balance. Because your home is your work/work is your home its hard to switch off. But you absolutely need to set mental barriers. I don't know your situation but if you are so busy sounds like you need to bring back someone from furlough or recruit if it's impacting you this much sounds like you need more resource. "

Indeed. Furloughed assistant in early June but she wasn't able to work March - June really due to the lack of childcare. She's now come back this week for 3 days a week (childcare related still) and is obviously so far behind that she might as well be on another planet. So, I've had to get her reacquainted as well as continue to do both our jobs for a bit longer. We are under a total recruitment freeze so recruiting is absolutely impossible, no exceptions. We have an 0.6 Maths teacher leaving soon and guess what? I'm expected to miraculously product an 0.6 Maths teacher out of thin air without recruiting. We were already on the cusp of having too few hours of Maths without the guy leaving. Out of the 30 days leave that was dolloped at me in January, I have 23 days left. I'm meant to use them before Christmas but only at times when students are off. The next time they are off is Christmas. Shame about my leave, no?

Here is the reality of the workplace, whether it is from home or another place. If my physical workplace was open right now, the workload would be exactly the same and I'd be finishing late in centre and working evenings/weekends. It's fairly standard for this time of year, the only difference being that this year there has been ZERO downtime. None. No time for me to take leave. I had two weeks of sick leave to have gynae surgery at the end August and no one had done any of my work when I came back on 2nd September. Nothing at all done. Why do you think I'm so up against it now? I should have worked the two weeks from bed.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ob198XaMan
over a year ago

teleford


"The pandemic has shown employers hands down that employees can be trusted to work from home, which is great. However, the office won’t cease to exist - I believe that they will be used as collaborative hubs to support social interaction and company culture as we move forward with the hybrid style of working."

It’s also highlight what some folk didn’t do when there employers thought they worked from home... I know of some workers who “worked” from home 2 days a week before the pandemic.. in the first weeks after they got sent home they had to try bribe other staff members to fix their remote access permissions which had never been configured!! I bet they where here on fab 2 days a week whilst being paid

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Honest question.

How many of you who "work from home"

Actually work an 8 hour day?????.

Be honest

Start 8 am finish 430.pm 30min lunch

I wonder

Yesterday I worked 09.00 till 18.30. I ate a sandwich on a Teams call while trying to plan a timetable with a colleague and I took 15 mins from 17.15-17.30 to collect my daughter from nursery. Then I continued working when she got home. Today was a short day, as I had an appointment to leave for at 16.30. I started at 08.50, ate hummus and pitta whilst talking (on Teams) to a colleague about our virtual learning environment. I take my iPhone (work issued) to the fucking bathroom with me, so I can reply to the incessant Teams messages and emails.

I am producing work enough for at least two people from my home.

You need to figure out your work life not work work balance. Because your home is your work/work is your home its hard to switch off. But you absolutely need to set mental barriers. I don't know your situation but if you are so busy sounds like you need to bring back someone from furlough or recruit if it's impacting you this much sounds like you need more resource.

Indeed. Furloughed assistant in early June but she wasn't able to work March - June really due to the lack of childcare. She's now come back this week for 3 days a week (childcare related still) and is obviously so far behind that she might as well be on another planet. So, I've had to get her reacquainted as well as continue to do both our jobs for a bit longer. We are under a total recruitment freeze so recruiting is absolutely impossible, no exceptions. We have an 0.6 Maths teacher leaving soon and guess what? I'm expected to miraculously product an 0.6 Maths teacher out of thin air without recruiting. We were already on the cusp of having too few hours of Maths without the guy leaving. Out of the 30 days leave that was dolloped at me in January, I have 23 days left. I'm meant to use them before Christmas but only at times when students are off. The next time they are off is Christmas. Shame about my leave, no?

Here is the reality of the workplace, whether it is from home or another place. If my physical workplace was open right now, the workload would be exactly the same and I'd be finishing late in centre and working evenings/weekends. It's fairly standard for this time of year, the only difference being that this year there has been ZERO downtime. None. No time for me to take leave. I had two weeks of sick leave to have gynae surgery at the end August and no one had done any of my work when I came back on 2nd September. Nothing at all done. Why do you think I'm so up against it now? I should have worked the two weeks from bed. "

Something has to give and that shouldn't be your health. You just have to be realistic and say if you get no support some of your work needs to be dropped. You are one person, them trying to save money to get you to do multiple peoples jobs is a bad excuse recruitment freeze or not. Also you are entitled to your holidays legally so that is a chat you also need to have. Don't get me wrong so many companies are struggling, but right now so many are not and they are being really tight at the expense of workers.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
Post new Message to Thread
back to top