Two years ago I started working for a software company that encourages working from home.
My prior company allowed you one day a week. And it was nice to save the commuting time. But working from home full time was eye-opening.
Firstly, the dogs *love* having me home during the day. And having them interrupt me for attention means I get up from my desk a little more often. Which is good for my neck and back.
I work upstairs. And keep the liquid refreshments downstairs. (After a close call with a glass of water and a keyboard.) So I get more exercise going up and down the stairs.
And no one brings in treats, or cajoles me into going to lunch with them, so it's easier to maintain a healthy diet.
Being home all day with the dogs means I don't feel guilty when I have an appointment after work. When I worked in the office, I tried to schedule things close enough to my quitting time that I didn't go home first. Because going home after a long day, giving the dogs attention, then leaving for an appointment inspired lots of guilt-inducing looks.
Now when I leave, the dogs are like, Meh. See you when you get back.
Without interruption and distraction, I feel like I can focus on my code work more effectively. But that same isolation means that there is no one to consult when I get stuck.
I had to realize that if I wanted to talk to someone, there was no more rolling my chair back to look at my cubicle neighbor. Now I actually have to call to talk to someone about work.
Or about non-work. I do find I know less about cars and sports than I did when I could overhear conversations in the office.
Meetings are all done via WebEx or Skype. And it works just as well as having everyone in one room.
I think the main difference is management attitude. My boss hires people he trusts. Then sends them off to do their jobs. He doesn't need to see you typing to be reassured you are actually working.
We do all see each other "in the flesh" occasionally. We get together to celebrate employee birthdays!
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