To want to know when WFH will end ?

[fizzypop100]

Because this has dragged on for so long

@MajorCarolDanvers

I would argue, though, that a work place is not there to give you social interaction. If you aren't getting enough interaction at work, that's on you to remedy elsewhere

I used to work with a couple of people who thought colleagues were there to provide social stimulus, and it drove me nuts

We've got this issue rearing our its head at my work. Some colleagues think that wfh should end for everyone because its not fair they don't have people to hang out with in the office.

One of my wife's colleagues complained to HR about the lack of social interaction in her team. 😬🤔😂

To be fair though, sometimes there are circumstances. Dh got made redundant. The only job he could find on similar money is an hour's drive away. I work 45 minutes away in the opposite direction. I would love to move closer, but I would need the right conditions. You can also get 2 v young versions of me cheaper, so that also limits options. Moving closer to either work wouldn't work, as our support networks are here.

But neither of us can wfh, so it's a moot point anyway

Is it the responsibility of Group A (or the employer) to provide Group B with socialisation opportunities?

As much as it’s their responsibility to provide Group A with a work environment they didn’t sign up for but now want, I suppose?

Separately though I think treating ‘socialisation opportunities’ as a separate work perk is missing the point of why organisations might value it. If you’re in a job that requires collaboration, it can actually help to have colleagues who know each other and interact and have opportunities to bounce ideas around other than through brief functional email exchanges (“here’s the spreadsheet” “thanks”). Not all work or workplaces are like that, but many are. And seeing that sort of collaborative relationship-building as only a kind of annoying imposition on your time, “but I already have friends I don’t need more”, “but I don’t care about Love Island and Sue does so why do I need to talk to Sue”, is missing the point.

If I was recruiting someone right now I wouldn’t be out off by them saying they wanted to know about WFH opportunities. But I probably would be put off if they made it clear that they wanted absolutely minimal interaction with colleagues because “I already have friends” I’d probably think that they wouldn’t do very well in a collaborative work environment.

Why not go to your local library, a cafe, a hotel, a co-working hub?

Lots of reasons.

Firstly, other than 'working hubs' which are few and far between, these are all unsuitable work places. If your work is in any way confidential, it's not really on for you to be working in a public space where others can hear you and maybe see sensitive documents. Also, cafes and hotels exist to make money from selling food and beverages, not to have people sitting for hours over a latte and using their Wifi and other facilities. I guess if your work doesn't involve speaking you could use a library, but how is it really better than being at home?

For some people, an office really is the best place to work. I do find it interesting how confidentiality requirements seem to have gone out the window however.

I wouldn’t mind a co-working hub if it was suitable enough for my job that my employer would let me use it. Also if my colleagues could be there too that would be good. Also I’d want my employer to provide it rather than expect me to pay for it myself. Maybe we could call this model an ‘office’, it might catch on…

Confidentiality is an interesting point. I was kind of ok with it during actual lockdown but now if I have a confidential call with someone, either related to my work or personal life (Doctors for example) and I hear children or others in the background I will be requesting a call back for when it can actually be private, and would raise a complaint if this were not possible.

It will end by the end of Jan latest,Ie plan b will be removed. It will then be up to individual companies to decide.

DH works with data protection and WFH is a joke.. I am present at many of his meetings, hearing everything as he works on our HOME. Also, big fuss made in workplace about ergonomics and posture, correct chair etc. That's a joke as he's been squashed in a corner on a fold up chair for most of the last 2 years !

@fizzypop100

DH works with data protection and WFH is a joke.. I am present at many of his meetings, hearing everything as he works on our HOME. Also, big fuss made in workplace about ergonomics and posture, correct chair etc. That's a joke as he's been squashed in a corner on a fold up chair for most of the last 2 years !

Oh yes, all those 'training courses' in Health and Safety that you used to have to do. All gone out of the window.

I remember a few years ago we were all ordered into a meeting to be told off about us leaving documents on our desks and not logging off from our computers when we went to the bathroom. This despite the fact that we were in an office where only staff could enter. We were also told that by no means could we work in the Costa Coffee across the road, much less take work home with us.

But now it seems none of that matters.

@BrightYellowDaffodil

Now most of my office is hybrid, except me, I STILL don't see anyone. That's my problem with working from home.

I would argue, though, that a work place is not there to give you social interaction. If you aren't getting enough interaction at work, that's on you to remedy elsewhere.

I used to work with a couple of people who thought colleagues were there to provide social stimulus, and it drove me nuts.

Well, for a start, it was previously a very friendly workplace. Now it's like a ghost town. And because there aren't many people in (understatement) aspects of my job, that involve me working with people, and talking to them, no longer happen.

I'm not looking for a bloody party at work 🙄

I have been "W" FH today. From the kitchen. First I had to empty bins, do dishes and put a wash on before it was suitable to work in. Took my elderly mother for blood test and brought her round for coffee as I was " not working today". Put up with DH having his breakfast, asking me about the roofer/ insurance company and listening to sports updates on his laptop. Took mother home( only a few minutes away). DS surfaced and cooked himself breakfast. Dd discussed whether or not the cat needs to go to the vet. Back to mothers to meet with health worker. Went to get petrol.Phoned electrician. Put washing out on heated airer.

I have achieved fuck all in the few moments of peace that I have had. This is working from home for me.

@MarshaBradyo

I live on my own. Overall, WFH doesn't work for me mentally - I don't see anyone. Now most of my office is hybrid, except me, I STILL don't see anyone. That's my problem with working from home.

I have full sympathy with this but why is everyone hybrid but you?

Can you change this

Apparently not. I'm actively looking for a local part time job, so I'll be semi-retired, but still working without a long commute.

I meant to say in my post about being virtually alone in the office that all I'd like is some other human beings to say good morning too.

@GoldenOmber

I wouldn’t mind a co-working hub if it was suitable enough for my job that my employer would let me use it. Also if my colleagues could be there too that would be good. Also I’d want my employer to provide it rather than expect me to pay for it myself. Maybe we could call this model an ‘office’, it might catch on…

I like your thinking ...

@GoldenOmber

I wouldn’t mind a co-working hub if it was suitable enough for my job that my employer would let me use it. Also if my colleagues could be there too that would be good. Also I’d want my employer to provide it rather than expect me to pay for it myself. Maybe we could call this model an ‘office’, it might catch on…

There was someone in another post complaining that toddlers turned up to cafes and interrupted working.

If only there was a way for adults to get together and work in a dedicated area..

@BatshitCrazyWoman

I meant to say in my post about being virtually alone in the office that all I'd like is some other human beings to say good morning too.

A lot of MNers are in very 'settled' lives, with families, safe jobs and an established circle of friends. These people tend to be baffled or even quite contemptuous about the idea that some people might enjoy incidental, casual interactions with others. But for me, it's one of the aspects of everyday life that I've really missed during the pandemic. And I doubt I'm the only one.

Batshit I hope you get something to suit you, if your employer doesn’t change your set up

A love nothing more than being told WFH is more efficient. If thats true, why has no interaction as customer with any company been better post pandemic than before it?

Literally every interaction is worse. You'd think by now companies would be doing amazing, yet everything seems to be worse.

WFH is certainly more convenient.. ain't no denying that.

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz

Who said she was using the cafe as a creche?

I assure you sitting at a table with a brew with my toddler, chatting to them or showing them their book is the complete opposite of what I'd get if I used a creche!

But not everyone actually watches their toddlers properly in environments like cafes. I've often seen parents sit there chatting to their friends looking on fondly while their toddler wanders up to people at other tables, and taking it for granted that they will engage. I think it's probably safe to say most of us have seen that.

There was someone in another post complaining that toddlers turned up to cafes and interrupted working.

The entitlement of some people amazes me.

@MarshaBradyo

Batshit I hope you get something to suit you, if your employer doesn’t change your set up

Thank you, I'm pretty certain they won't change, so it will have to be me.

@tfresh

A love nothing more than being told WFH is more efficient. If thats true, why has no interaction as customer with any company been better post pandemic than before it?

Literally every interaction is worse. You'd think by now companies would be doing amazing, yet everything seems to be worse.

WFH is certainly more convenient.. ain't no denying that.

Yes. I've spent hours on the phone waiting for 'service' from organizations which used to be very efficient. Might have been forgivable during the first lockdown but now I think the pandemic is just an excuse for inferior service. And I know people will say that it could be down to staff having to isolate and so on, but hard to deny that WFH is a factor. A major one.

Would people accept that wfh is more efficient for those of us who have the types of jobs where we work independently on detail focused projects. It’s much easier to write code, go over the fine details of a contract, or review an equation heavy paper, without the sounds of people chatting about their weekend in the background.

My job is sort of HR-adjacent.

We are only allowed on site if there's a business need. I had to go into the office this week for essential training. Honestly, I learnt more in the 30 minute lunch break chatter than I would have done in 30 hours of Zooms. As I write policies and values based strategies, networking is an essential part of my role.

I am crossing my fingers I get hybrid working opportunities but even with 4 small kids and a 20 mile, fuel-heavy commute, if it has to be all or nothing I'd prefer to be in every day than WFH forever.

@fizzypop100

DH works with data protection and WFH is a joke.. I am present at many of his meetings, hearing everything as he works on our HOME. Also, big fuss made in workplace about ergonomics and posture, correct chair etc. That's a joke as he's been squashed in a corner on a fold up chair for most of the last 2 years !

The issues with data protection could easily be solved by wearing headphones so that you no longer listen in. The failing to comply with data protection in this instance lies with your DH.