I recognise that I'm probably a minority here, but I have a much harder time staying focused at home. At my office I share a room with a couple others, on a floor with a couple dozen more. Pretty much everything I do (outside 1-3 meetings a week) is individual work.

For me, something about physically "going to work" helps me "switch on" much more. Taking breaks with other people, rather than alone, also helps me structure the breaks, and it's not uncommon that we get good ideas or resolve something that's been bugging someone during a break. Lastly, I really appreciate the option of "just dropping by" when I want to ask someone about something, and the fact that they can do the same to me. In my experience it's never gotten to the point that it happens more than maybe once or twice a day, so it's not really that disturbing either.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That is great and you should have that option. Some of us work best from home and want that option. The idea that we all work the same is the problem, flexible is the solution. The ability to allow people to work in whatever way they think is best and trust them to get stuff done would solve this issue. Except it isn’t about that it is about office real estate and management thinking the only way people are working is if they are watched.

[–] thebestaquaman -4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I absolutely agree that flexibility is the way to go. I also have to admit that a large part of what makes me function better in the office is that my coworkers are there as well. As such, I think a compromise that everyone can be as happy as possible with is the best thing.

Remember: Some people would prefer to work from home everyday, and function best when the do. People like me would prefer that as many as possible people are in the office as often as possible, and function best when that is the case. The optimum (both regarding satisfaction and productivity) is clearly somewhere in-between.

That means flexibility is very important, but "full flexibility", i.e. everyone always working from where they would prefer, is probably not the global optimum.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I don't want to put words in your mouth, but I think you're saying, essentially "I work better in the office with others, so others should be here to make me work better" and I would submit that a better solution is for you to find a company that hires like minded folks so you can all work together in an office.

[–] thebestaquaman 1 points 1 year ago

I can see why you would say that, but my point is that in any reasonably large group of people there's going to be diversity regarding how often people prefer to be at the office (if ever). It's also well documented that things like training and meetings are much less efficient if people are remote. Together, I think this means that the solution to having as efficient and satisfied employees as possible is to do some coordinating, such that everyone has their needs met.

I don't think it's realistic to have some companies consisting only of people that prefer to work from home every day, and others where everyone wants to be in the office every day. Flexibility and coordination is key.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Same for me. I found having my workspace be outside my home is better for both my productivity and mood. But I will fight for whatever method of work people find works for them individually.

[–] Weirdfish 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The trick for me is having a dedicated home office. I wake up, shower, dress in work clothes, and "go to the office".

Only things in there are my work desk, and some excercise equipment.

The company is currently hybrid, with a couple days required in office every week. From everything I've heard, productivity is up, and there is no talk from management that we're changing things.

[–] killa44 2 points 1 year ago

Try adding some plants too. Having the occasional distraction of watering or picking dead leaves available is useful, without being excessively distracting.

Also, I guess people like oxygen and decorations, it whatever.