After readaing the article Professor Basset just posted about Dell's new policy regarding the ineligibility of remote workers to earn promotions within the coproration, I asked myself if I would ever want to work from home permanently. In less than 2 seconds, my answer was definitively NO. Perhaps since I have been a classroom teacher for about 30 years, the opportunities to work from home only presented themselves during the pandemic. When the schools shutdown in March 2020, I was considered an essential worker, so I still had a job. However, it took some time to adjust. I found that my desire to be online, on Zoom and working took every ounce of energy I had to maintain my productivity.
There are many people who thrive in a remote work situation, but I am not one of them. In a way I understand why Dell might want to resort to this new policy, but I wonder what the employment contracts of veteran employees state regarding changes to those contracts. As the article indicated, the company experienced layoffs, so this appears to be a cost saving measure in my opinion.
As a single parent, I have always had to make sure that I had a salary and benefits for me and my daughter. Therefore, I would not attempt to take a chance of losing my job or missing out on a promotion just because working from home is easier than commuting.
Perhaps my generation is less willing to try remote work or maybe it's just me.
Helen, I also would join you in preferring to work at the office instead of remotely. For me, the personal face to face interactions is more important than the benefits of remote work. I also had similar thoughts when I read Professor Basset's email. I think that it is going to be hard for Dell to hold true to this policy considering they encouraged the use of remote work.
ReplyDeleteI also wrote my post this week on Dell's choice to penalize those who want to work fully from home. The company will probably have a lot of trouble (or turn over) trying to uphold this policy after being one of the biggest supporters for working remotely. Personally, I'm all for working from home. I don't know if I ever could be fully remote, but I certainly wouldn't mind not having to make the drive to work every single day.
ReplyDeleteAfter I got my Associate's Degree, I actually only had one semester of my Bachelor's degree in person before we were all forced online by COVID. I enjoyed being able to work at home during that time, as it was easier for me to work when I was in a more comfortable environment.
Though I do understand that working from home isn't everyone's cup of tea. To each their own, right?
Hi Helen,
ReplyDeleteI was just having a conversation today with a friend where I was weighing the pros and cons of remote work for me. On one hand, it is convenient and can make days a little easier to balance, but on one hand it comes with decreased interactions and maybe less productivity and more distractions. For those reasons, I don't foresee myself wishing to work in a completely remote position, but maybe something more hybrid where there is ability to pick and choose. Everyone has different needs, responsibilities, and priorities to balance, which is why I believe no one schedule will work for everyone, and which is why I think Dell's new policy is harsh and should give employees more time to adapt before having to change the manner in which they have been working so quickly.
I don't think this is a generational thing. It is a personal thing. There are people of all generations who enjoy remote work (like me) and other people of all generations who don't.
ReplyDeleteHelen,
ReplyDeleteI also prefer working in a office or at least a hybrid approach. I feel there are less distractions when you are in the office and you can talk to your coworkers and have that sense of community. When you are online, it is not the same. When I was in undergrad and went online during COVID, I thought it was a completely different experience and actually enjoyed it because i was more introverted in those classes and I wasn't missing out on any socializing. But with work, I think it is different because you want to build those connections and ask questions, especially as new lawyers who are in training. Thanks for the post!
I agree with the above comments that I am someone who prefers being in person, but am not opposed to a hybrid form of working. This past Summer, I lived about an hour drive from my office and went in person 3 days a week and worked remote 2 days. This was really nice for me so I could avoid having to do that commute everyday, but I did notice that the days I was in the office I felt more productive than the days I was at home. I think at least giving the option should be recognized as a viable option.
ReplyDelete