Working from the"Regional Office"

Recently, the CEO of Yahoo came under fire for banning her employees from working from home. I work for a company that allows Working from Home  and in a bid to reduce need of office space is starting to encourage it on a Seniour management level (although Line Managers do not seem as enthusiastic).

Someone who I play poker with is a line manager. His company's research suggested that employees were less likely to resign if they were allowed 1 work from home day a week. He told me a few weeks ago that he allows his staff to do it, however, requires that they update a procedure while they are at home. He felt that home workers were less productive.

I rarely work from home. I like overhearing my bosses technical conversations at work and feel that I benefit more from the knowledge I gain when I am at work. That said, I will do if I have good reason - usually when I have worked the night before or had to go to the doctors. Today I took advantage of it as I didn't feel like driving with my bruised foot.

Had I have not been able to work from home today, I may well have taken a sick day. Working from home meant that I could update my cases, do a training course I was avoiding and keep on standby for any faults that may have arisen. Sure, it wasn't the most productive days work I have ever done but I was far more productive than I would have been had I taken a sickie.

I think Working from home is worthwhile if done in moderation. It improves employee satisfaction and can save companies money if implemented correctly. It can be abused and line managers are right to be cautious but giving an employee a work from home day once or twice a month is more than reasonable.