# re: Question for the masses

Chris,

Something I ponder daily. I think the reason is that most people in this world are lazy - without someone peering over their shoulder, whether perceived or really checking up, productivity would go down. You know the addage, "When the cat's away, mice do play." 4/29/2005 1:26 PM | Jon

# re: Question for the masses

Like Jon said, plus I think it could also come down to trust from management.

Also what about meetings? I know their are products out there that a suppose to make those doable remotely, but how well do they work. 4/29/2005 3:08 PM | JuanBarbatos

# re: Question for the masses

Well, I figure if I have deadlines to meet and status reports to update then that should take care of productivity. If I'm not cutting it, it's going to be obvious.

As for trust from management, I have no desire to work for a company where I'm not trusted. I've been there before. Not pleasant.

Most meetings should be able to be handled with videoconferencing, something that is quickly and easily achievable with broadband and a webcam. While there's certainly need for some face-to-face interaction it's not necessary every day. If I have to travel once a month or once every couple of months to go meet with my boss, that's not a big deal. Sure, the company should pay for my travel, but that's a minor expense given that they don't have office overhead for me 365 days a year. 4/29/2005 3:32 PM | Chris J. Breisch

# re: Question for the masses

In my current job I work two days a week from home. I churn out more code on those two days than the other 3 put together.

However, going to the office is essential for face-to-face meetings and interactions (which are a critical part of senior positions) that simply cannot be substituted with any online tool.

My £0.02 4/30/2005 3:01 PM | Daniel Moth

# re: Question for the masses

I just started working from home as a ColdFusion developer (don't ask) and despite a fewer teething problems its going well. One thing though, nothing makes you realise the importance of good documentation than being away from the office. Hopefully I'll be moving to America soon. So much for freedom though, Immigration nightmare here I come! ;) 5/2/2005 7:24 PM | Pete (aka lad4bear)

# re: Question for the masses

Pete, good luck with the immigration. Let us know where you end up. 5/3/2005 9:30 AM | Chris J. Breisch