#358: Working from home is impossible
Have you wondered why so many people treat coffee shops as workstations? I’ve finally figured it out. No, no, it’s got little to do with this recession even though this recession has forced many more people to work in strange places.
My figuring out has to do with experts-in-the-know who believe that working from home increases performance. I don’t believe it and here’s why.
A basic law of physics is that work equals force times distance. Now, if you work from home, then distance becomes zero. We all know that if you multiply with zero you get zero. Therefore, working from home means that force times no distance equals zero work.
In other words, it does not matter how much you force yourself to get work done at home, you will get no work done unless some travel is involved, even if only to the coffee shop around the corner.
I should know. I often work from home.
I’m James McIntosh at nonsenseatwork.com
Listen to the radio version of 'Working from home is impossible'
(10 most recent radio files)
James can be heard on Public Radio: Monday - 7:19am and Saturday - 8:19am
88.9 FM WCVE, Richmond VA | 89.1 FM WCNV, Heathsville VA | 90.1 FM WMVE, Chase City VA
Copyright: 2009 James Henry McIntosh
My figuring out has to do with experts-in-the-know who believe that working from home increases performance. I don’t believe it and here’s why.
A basic law of physics is that work equals force times distance. Now, if you work from home, then distance becomes zero. We all know that if you multiply with zero you get zero. Therefore, working from home means that force times no distance equals zero work.
In other words, it does not matter how much you force yourself to get work done at home, you will get no work done unless some travel is involved, even if only to the coffee shop around the corner.
I should know. I often work from home.
I’m James McIntosh at nonsenseatwork.com
Listen to the radio version of 'Working from home is impossible'
(10 most recent radio files)
James can be heard on Public Radio: Monday - 7:19am and Saturday - 8:19am
88.9 FM WCVE, Richmond VA | 89.1 FM WCNV, Heathsville VA | 90.1 FM WMVE, Chase City VA
Copyright: 2009 James Henry McIntosh
3 Comments:
Not true James! I travel about 20 feet from the bedroom to the office every morning. Thus, that is about 100 feet per day X5= 500 feet per week, at a minimum. Thus, you need to remove the zero...and work the equation again.
This is indeed nonsense. Working at home is impossible? The laws of physics govern maturity and effort in the workplace? You're more productive amid the noise and distraction at Starbucks?
Unfortunately, your comments only give credence to managers who believe working from home is a euphemism for taking a vacation day. The reality is that working from home is often an indicator of exceptional performance, exceeding the efforts of those who show up punctually at the office but do little more than keep a seat warm. Surely you know that ultimately the bottom line is productivity.
James, check the calendar. This is the 21st century.
Ah, Mr Burrows, at least you can tell nonsense when you see it. Of course it's nonsense! I work from home permanently. Read Robert's comments. Sometimes even a few feet of travel is enough.
By the way, my comments will in no way influence managers. Managers either expect output or demand input. I'm sure you know what I mean.
Now, may I please put my tongue back in my cheek? It's time for coffee.
The Chief Nonsense Officer
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