What is a better work trend? Is it something that idly hammocks in our mind, swinging from one pole to the other trying to work its way into our outer recesses, infuse itself into speech and reasoning power. Does better work trends translate into comfort zones, rec rooms and uni-sex toilets? I don't know really. For in a socially led world like hours 'better work trends' could mean a million things to a few people.
I say few, because they're the ones who essentially make the rules, write out the charter and Bcc it the entire organisation.
We've been reading in recent news, white papers and conglomerate spiel that flexible working is on the upswing. Several top global companies are pushing technology to deliver more than just e-mail, conference calls and video sat links. I'd personally like to say Hallejuiah.
The term itself is so endearing, no? Flexible - makes so much more room for air, time, constructive input/output, feedback. I say this because time management in burgeoning cities not only include timesheets, but traffic, personal lives, rest, per sqm of work space used in an office and other such wonderful elements that could make or break a balance sheet in a financial year.
So how many of you actually put in enough work to pay off the desk space you use? Rent is calculated you know. Oh, and how many of you earn it back or are paid enough for churning out more than a bang for the buck? Ironically the latter question you ask yourself, awaits an answer from someone else and the former question you spit out into the atmosphere has your name on it.
heh.heh.
So, would you be comfrotable with a flexible working option? Would you be able to effectively deliver sitting from the convinience of your home? Are you up to working remotely? Strong debates do tend to crop up (i mean taking sides is an inborn trait of ours and then of course the new millenia coughed up a third which is 'non-committal' - a wonderful gift).
I for one am FOR flexible working. I like the idea of managing my own time, i like the idea of delivering real time and managing my laundry together. I like the option of mobile interfacing than working with a lot of people who 'just need to get out home'. I like that it sieves out the chaff. It does. Any way you look at it, the possibilities of flexible working are immense.
And for the naysayers, I think it should be a choice. In Dubai, traffic is a cuss word. The moment everyone gets back from their vacations, emergency trips and other such offloading the city's roads groan as people with 2 - 3 cars per home vomit themselves unto the streets. What would be a half hour drive to work becomes a two hour nightmare, that saps you off all the good energy you could use at work.
By the time you get to work, some smug auntie is already trying to eat into what's left your sanity because she lives 5 minutes away and thinks she's smarter than you. Good morning sunshine!
;( - I can't WAIT to get started.
With no respectable public transport system anywhere near the horizon (talks of 2008 continue to do the rounds, with the money they have, it could happen...) the roads are choked.
Flexible working is an answer. But of course mentality is evasive. Everyone has this chip on their shoulder, they just don't see productive work happening when remotely done. Why? Because you're at home, or somewhere...remote. One could possibly NOT do any work right? WRONG.
Freelancers are by default remote workers. They're engaging in projects that take them time, effort and a lot of brainwork. Offices don't use up space, they charge a fee. And ta-da we're happy. A lot of consultants work remotely. Senior management most often than not work remotely. They're all about the strategy, see?
So who are the schmucks who need to come into work to make it look like a functioning organisation? You and me. We're the schmucks. We're the ones who have to bang out inane reports, useless statistics and feedback, make the unwanted telephone calls - basically things that go into the inane report that tells the client we deserve the fee we're charging. Right!
And we wait, and pray for the day we move up a notch, to a more 'stragtegic' posting, where things like flexibility, productivity, efficiency and ROI begins to take shape and suddenly make sense!
If anyone who's 'senior' happens to pass by this page - could you do me favour? Could you re-think for me? Flexible working could mean 3 day office job 3 day remote. It could mean one day away but contactable and 5 days fifty - fifty.
It could mean happier and more productive compared to pressurised, stumped, blinded, 'hands-tied-behind-ones-back', under-handed, snap-dragon(-ny). It could mean cost effective, time saving, better office management, lesser stress. Flexible.
Think about it.
5 comments:
what flexibility , isn't it better to get the work done in the stipulated 8 hours time and get it over with and then live your life the rest of time with no thoughts or worries about it.
Not really Vijay, not for me anyway, i just don't see the sense of flitting in and out of usefulness when there are so many other things i could be accomplishing in that time. I'm for those that the workplace forms a temporary break from other realities and vice versa would agree with you. But i personally don't see the sense in it, esp. for those who actually WANT to do more than sit an office. :)
Hi meg, somehow i knew that you were going to say that but like gadarene said it depends on the type of job...
... i used to stay back after work trying to finish my work... and i thought i felt proud about it untill one day my boss tells me .... you stay back after work doesnt mean you are working hard infact it says that you are not capable of doing your work within the stipulated time, thats not the point here but anyway.... Work while you work, play while you play instead of making a 'avial' out of it ...:)
Gadarene...Brother :)
I understand really. The need to prioritise, set aside time and have necessary compartments to work. I do believe that it can be done the way i've championed in this piece. However, i also respect the different and varied others who also DON'T see themselves being a part of it, or internalising something that like that. It's cool, but you did say brilliant and therein lies the maxim of possibility :)
Love ya!
Post a Comment