Changes

[Ken4155]

Some talk of life returning to 'normal' once the virus is 'under control', so to speak. However, there are also those who talk of our way of life changing as a result of Covid19. Given that many companies are coping very well with many of their staff working from home, I wonder if, in the (hopefully none too distant) future, some of these people will then be asked to continue working from home. That would, perhaps, enable these companies to rent smaller premises and cut their overheads substantially. Is this too simplistic a view?

[Milo2]

My daughter is working from home and doesn’t particularly like it as she misses the social interaction. She is hoping that what you are suggesting doesn’t happen.

[fiction-factory]

I think quite a few companies who were reluctant to allow it will be more willing . Even if companies allowed some to work from home one or two days a week it would make a big difference to traffic and well being (for those who hate the commute). Instead of spending 2 hours in traffic most would be happy to do an extra hour a day at home.

[AuntPollyGrey]

My DIL is now working from home due to Covid-19 and loves it. She is saving over £1000 a month on childcare. She couldn't do this under normal conditions as her OH is also off work on 80% salary so can occupy the children while she works in the home office.

[pixie374]

It's always been an attractive idea to me, especially being a single parent. Hopefully, there will be more choice in future, and more people will be able to work.

[10ClarionSt]

And I'll be able to get to the golf course in the mornings without any traffic hold ups. Commuters! Pain in the armpit! Interefering with my golf like that. How dare they!

[Old_Geezer]

The company I used to work for demanded we work from home a few years back, which is why I left; lack of social interaction being one of the prime objections. No video conferencing over the Net is *NOT* a substitute. IMO they had changed the job as had been agreed, but they still refused to pay redundancy. In fact even compensation for the costs pushed on the remaining employees was clearly inadequate.

One can only wait and see but this certainly has the potential for degrading people's work experience as unscrupulous employers mull over whether benefits to them, and excuses about the environment, can be used to dump on the unimportant hoi polloi. I do hope it doesn't occur as default. It may suit some, but many actually like to meet others rather than be cooped up all day at home in a room that they've had to dedicate to their employer.

[fiction-factory]

Well hopefully there will be an element of choice about it- it's in the interests of employer and employee to work together on these things. And I agree that people need social interaction so a phased approach seems worth starting with for most people. One or two days a week would I think be popular. Or maybe one week in four

[woofgang]

og you don't have to dedicate a room. I think that many employers have been reluctant to allow WFH because they can't see people working and be sure they are getting their money's worth... I do think that many changes that we see will stay....stuff like video and telephone doctor's appointments which already existed but are now being quickly expanded....grocery deliveries and so on.

[Ken4155]

With many companies taking massive financial hits, some would maybe see having their staff work from home as a viable and preferable alternative to laying them off. As has been suggested, they could make it voluntary if they get enough takers. People like Aunt Polly's DIL would most likely jump at the chance. As for the work not being done, that would soon become apparent, imho.

[johnny.5]

things happen quicker when you are actually working together

[pixie374]

Depends who you are working with, Johnny.... I have always done well working from home, but I like social interaction too. There have been certain times, with young children, where it would cost more in childcare, than I got paid. Instead I did online courses, but an option to work from home would be a lifeline to many people.

[Zacs-Master]

There are financial disadvantages to working from home for landlords of premises which businesses rent. It’s not all pluses.

[Prudie]

It varies massively depending on what your actual job is. Mine and my colleagues absolutely could not give 100% by only working from home. Others it could be great. Another factor that's currently affecting some homeworkers - the wifi cannot cope with it.

[jno]

it's been broadly possible to work from home most of this century, but managers want everyone right there under their noses.

[TonyV]

Zacs normally business's are let on a fixed term contract, payable if used or not.

[BAKERS DOZEN]

My friend is working from home but as the partners are not able to go out and get more business they have gradually reduced the number of home workers and furloughed the rest. While they were all working from home they were able to establish who exactly did work and who did very little. Needless to say the lazy ones are now being paid for doing nothing and the grafters are still working hard. If the firm does not get its business back to normal then there could always be the chance of redundancies and the grafters should be safe. Could be lots of people out of work at the end of this all over the country.

[david small]

I nearly went out of business by trying to work from home. I was a carpet fitter.

[Prudie]

Exactly David and one could add 100s of other occupations to that list, of course the majority cold not always work from home.

[woofgang]

I am not sure how reasonable it is to expect an employer to take account of an employee's social needs?

[Ken4155]

I can see David Small is joking but not sure about your response to his post, Prudie. Did you actually think I was talking about bricklayers, decorators, carpet fitters, etc, etc, etc (a hundred times etc)?