Working From Home Megathread

Antares35

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Actually, you're 100% wrong there.

I live in a small two bedroom bungalow. There is no space in my bedroom where I can fit a desk, and my adult daughter occupies the other bedroom.

I've spent the last 11 months working from my living room, from the sofa with my laptop on a riser, balanced on an occasional table measuring 50cm x 36cm x 53cm. I now need a bigger table due to the work issued laptop.

I try to work from 8am to 4pm and my daughter spends most of the day in her bedroom, so I have quiet to do so.

But I get on with it, and I'm not complaining because I can still do my job, and I am not the type of petty minded jobsworth who is obsessed with rules in the middle of a global health crisis.

We are the same. We've two bedrooms, one is for me and the baby and the other is OH's bedroom and office. I work between bedroom and kitchen to be honest. Sometimes I just crave the natural light in the kitchen (for the avoidance of doubt this is not a thinly veiled "I have velux windows" post ) He barely has space for any personal things because his work stuff takes up so much. And you can take a guess from being a parent how much space there is in my room given that I've to share it with an eight month old and her inevitable paraphernalia

We just sort of found a way to work through. We are grateful that our employers are respecting the restrictions and allowing us to work from home. It's not without its challenges, but I'm no longer commuting the equivalent of a days work every week, that in itself is a privilege - you can't buy back time.

Thats me

Thats me wrote: »

As stated above, your getting back into office will not happen until national emergency restrictions are lifted. Whatever you claim here would be worth to discuss in context of WFH in post-emergency times, but since you are going to return to the office immediately when allowed all this whining simply has no purpose.

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

We need these discussions now, to put a solid plan in place for when restrictions are eased.

Your plan is back to office and have everything as it was before WFH [r]evolution. You have nothing to discuss - currently you HAVE to work from home and say thanks you still have a job, you have a job which does not require physical contact to this public like covid-deniers, antimaskers and pub-addicts who are sharing viruses everywhere. When restriction eased you will return to your office and everything will become as it was before. For you.



You have nothing to discuss. Right now you (we) are in better position than many people in the country and this is just laughable to claim you have no comfortable chair. When emergency finished - you will be back to your normal which seem was OK for you, so no problem at all.

Thats me

Jim Root wrote: »

We can use an internet browser, that’s it. No applications will work unless logged in and 2 factor authentication applied

Aren't you allowed to insert mouse or keyboard into your computer?

Thats me

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

And what happens when we ease back to Level 3?

Whatever happens i'm working from home to the end of year because my employer offering this option to avoid hassle with getting back to office, getting back to home, then back to office again and so on. I do appreciate this approach. You are free to check with your employer what are you plans for nearest future ;-)

Thats me

Deleted User wrote: »

And again, you continue to ignored the point

No. This is all of us missing the point. There is nothing in this world except AndrewJRenko.

Bigfatmichael

Andrew I don't think you get it.

Your employer doesn't make rules just for you. Do you have a trait of narcissism because that's what your coming across like. The poor me attitude and I'm so important is really wearing thin.

Obviously I don't know your workplace but let's just say 20% of your workplace is crazy to get back to the office how is your office going to implement this? If your office let the 20% in that's more people on public transport, more people in shops, more people travelling outside the 5KM restriction and from other counties potentially spreading the virus more. There not going to make special rules just for you.

Everyone is fed up with Covid, I'm particularly looking forward getting back to the office and having the craic with work colleagues, maybe a meal and pints after work and adding more socializing to my day but we are in the middle of a pandemic where hospitals are overun.

I'm currently working from my kitchen table which isn't ideal. Your job does not need you in the office so why are you making such a fuss.

I'd understand if they forced you to work from home and there was no pandemic happening why you would be upset but come on like there's a pandemic happening and rules arnt made just for you.

AndrewJRenko

[Deleted User] wrote: »

And again, you continue to ignored the point of why we are working from home in the first place.

It's not about rostering people on and off. It's about minimising the numbers of people travelling. Its about minimising contacts, preventing transmission, and protecting the health service. (Another approx 1300 cases and 75 deaths today, in case you're concerned).

Non-essential people working from offices will mean more non-essential people travelling on public transport. More cleaners who will then be needed to go in and service offices. More security staff, and so on, and so on.

Something which, despite all your mouthing about safe workplaces, obviously doesn't concern you at all, so long as your WANTS are met.

I'm done. I'm not interested in going around in circles on this any further.

I'm glad that for most people, common sense prevails, but as I said earlier, there will always be those who will be disgruntled, just for the sake of it.

I'll be cycling to and from work as usual, so there is zero contact with others involved. The office is open for those whose work can only be done on site, so there is no impact on cleaning or security staff.

Sounds like you're running out of excuses used to misguidedly misguidedly protect your own privilege.

ThunbergsAreGo

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

I'll be cycling to and from work as usual, so there is zero contact with others involved. The office is open for those whose work can only be done on site, so there is no impact on cleaning or security staff.

Sounds like you're running out of excuses used to misguidedly misguidedly protect your own privilege.

It feels like you want customised restrictions that apply (or don't apply) to you alone

c68zapdsm5i1ru

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

I'll be cycling to and from work as usual, so there is zero contact with others involved. The office is open for those whose work can only be done on site, so there is no impact on cleaning or security staff.

Sounds like you're running out of excuses used to misguidedly misguidedly protect your own privilege.

But it's not all about you Andrew. If the govt said anyone who can cycle or walk to work can go in, how would that work out? Yes, loads more people out and about, sharing workspaces and toilets, more workplace and road accidents meaning people taking up badly needed a&e facilities, people forgetting to socially distance, closing windows because they're cold, etc etc etc.
There is a very good reason why we have been told to just stay at home until advised otherwise.

Bigfatmichael

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

I'll be cycling to and from work as usual, so there is zero contact with others involved. The office is open for those whose work can only be done on site, so there is no impact on cleaning or security staff.

Sounds like you're running out of excuses used to misguidedly misguidedly protect your own privilege.

As per my previous post its all about yourself and special rules just for you Andrew. Your like a 5 year old sulking that can't get his way.

If your company and every other company allowed 20% of their staff into the office this will spread the virus. My guess is 20% of employees are mad to return to the office but could be more.

Your not a special case no matter how much you think you are.

I'd love to be able to get back to the office and hopefully in Summer I can get back a day or two a week.

kippy

Bigfatmichael wrote: »

As per my previous post its all about yourself and special rules just for you Andrew. Your like a 5 year old sulking that can't get his way.

If your company and every other company allowed 20% of their staff into the office this will spread the virus. My guess is 20% of employees are mad to return to the office but could be more.

Your not a special case no matter how much you think you are.

I'd love to be able to get back to the office and hopefully in Summer I can get back a day or two a week.

I'd say ther percentage is probably higher than 20% being honest, at this stage. And another portion who want to at least have the option of going in a few days.
But again, as you say, it's not really about the individual needs at the moment.

AndrewJR does bring up some really valid points. Many employers who are full WFH for years or run their business model on that have very well established processes and procedures in place to deal with some of the issues that AndrewJR has brought up however these are companies who always WFH and always will WFH. A lot of companies see this as a relatively short term period to get through then return to "normal" work practices and that's probably why there isn't a huge amount of assistance given to employees around proper equipment/resources. It doesn't make it right - but look, thats the reality for the minute.
Small scale issues in the whole scheme of things.

rostalof

Thats me wrote: »

Aren't you allowed to insert mouse or keyboard into your computer?

Sorry, I'm not trying to be smart here, I'm just trying to understand what you're suggesting. If all other applications are blocked apart from a basic web browser without logging into the company's network, what will plugging in the mouse and keyboard achieve? In any case, quite a high percentage of business laptops/PCs have their USB ports deactivated to block the unwitting installation of malware and viruses and the unauthorised removal or dissemination of company data.

Bigfatmichael

Bigfatmichael wrote: »

Do you have a trait of narcissism because that's what your coming across like.

Lightbulb moment!

I think you may be onto something here!

Mango Joe

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

It's not my home office though. It's my spare bedroom that has been taken over as an office without any agreement or discussion or compensation.


The problems are
1) The very considerable costs imposed on me to do all the above and more
2) The unilateral change to my working arrangements without any consultation, agreement or compensation.

Today is February 5th 2021, we're not that far off a year into this Pandemic and all of the tragedy, death, misery, anxiety and extreme heartache it's brought with it to so many people and their families.

Right now there's countless medical staff working day and night, putting in hundreds of extra hours, working through weekends and holidays they were entitled to in order to cover Colleagues who've been infected with Covid in the workplace.

They're going in to work day after day, slaving on in cramped conditions in cumbersome PPE that makes everything more difficult and leaves welts on their skin.

They're working and living in the shadow of death.

And then we have Andrew, also a public Servant, except his haunting ground isn't the Covid ward but more the office stationery cupboard where likes things to be neat and just 'so'. Andrews sacrifices are not his leisure time, holidays, personal safety or whether his life is being put in danger every time he goes to work.

No.....Andrews big gripe is that he has to sit on his gigantic arse and work out of his own spare room and the State has had the absolute cheek not to send a specialist team out to measure it up and supply ergonomically satisfactory furniture for him, his gut and his vacuous empty head.

Some people don't seem to be entitled to anything in 2021, they have no job, no income, no health, no day where they're not distraught worrying for the safety of themselves and their loved ones - Then you also have people who feel like they're entitled to everything.

Bigfatmichael

One of my family members is a narc, all they care about is themselves.

You can never win an argument with one.

Is Andrew seriously giving out he has to work from his spare room and spend an extra few quid on heating during the pandemic.

You'll be back in the office like most of us when the pandemic is over Andrew, calm down.

Keeping the hospital numbers and deaths down I think is a lot more important than you giving out about working from home. No special rules just for you Andrew. Your the same as the rest of us working from home.

You even have a spare room where most of us would kill for that .

Awaiting your defensive post on why your office should make special rules just for you.

BrianD3

ShyMets wrote: »

Folks. I'm just going to thro this out here but I think our friend Andrew just might be trolling

I think you might be right, the post about putting on 7 kg from too many trips to the fridge and not being able to have a row with the wife did it for me - top notch hilarious stuff.

Either that, a thought experiment or union/farmer speak

Employer: We'd like people to WFH
Union: Absolutely not because x, y, z

Translation: Union wants WFH but doesn't want to weaken its position by agreeing with the employer.

AndrewJRenko

ThunbergsAreGo wrote: »

It feels like you want customised restrictions that apply (or don't apply) to you alone

No, I want a safe working environment that isn't going to do further damage to my body.

Shawn Sparse Sunstroke wrote: »

But it's not all about you Andrew. If the govt said anyone who can cycle or walk to work can go in, how would that work out? Yes, loads more people out and about, sharing workspaces and toilets, more workplace and road accidents meaning people taking up badly needed a&e facilities, people forgetting to socially distance, closing windows because they're cold, etc etc etc.
There is a very good reason why we have been told to just stay at home until advised otherwise.

It's not just about cycling or walking, same would apply to anyone driving to work too.

Bigfatmichael wrote: »

As per my previous post its all about yourself and special rules just for you Andrew. Your like a 5 year old sulking that can't get his way.

If your company and every other company allowed 20% of their staff into the office this will spread the virus. My guess is 20% of employees are mad to return to the office but could be more.

Your not a special case no matter how much you think you are.

I'd love to be able to get back to the office and hopefully in Summer I can get back a day or two a week.

From my discussions with colleagues, it will be more like 2% than 20%. For most colleagues, they are only too happy to drop their commute.

I'm not looking to be a special case. I'm looking for a safe working environment.

Mango Joe wrote: »

Today is February 5th 2021, we're not that far off a year into this Pandemic and all of the tragedy, death, misery, anxiety and extreme heartache it's brought with it to so many people and their families.

Right now there's countless medical staff working day and night, putting in hundreds of extra hours, working through weekends and holidays they were entitled to in order to cover Colleagues who've been infected with Covid in the workplace.

They're going in to work day after day, slaving on in cramped conditions in cumbersome PPE that makes everything more difficult and leaves welts on their skin.

They're working and living in the shadow of death.

And then we have Andrew, also a public Servant, except his haunting ground isn't the Covid ward but more the office stationery cupboard where likes things to be neat and just 'so'. Andrews sacrifices are not his leisure time, holidays, personal safety or whether his life is being put in danger every time he goes to work.

No.....Andrews big gripe is that he has to sit on his gigantic arse and work out of his own spare room and the State has had the absolute cheek not to send a specialist team out to measure it up and supply ergonomically satisfactory furniture for him, his gut and his vacuous empty head.

Some people don't seem to be entitled to anything in 2021, they have no job, no income, no health, no day where they're not distraught worrying for the safety of themselves and their loved ones - Then you also have people who feel like they're entitled to everything.

We all did the 'emergency response' stuff 11 months ago. We dropped everything, we changed around our lives and our private homes to suit our employers. That was the response to a global emergency.

Now we're 11 months later, and we're looking at another 8-10 months at best. Worst case, we could be at this for years, if vaccine resistant variants emerge.

I'm looking for a safe working environment, as my employer is required by law to provide.

Sultan of Bling

AndrewJRenko wrote:

I'm looking for a safe working environment, as my employer is required by law to provide.

Sultan of Bling wrote:

Have you reported your employer to them or do you intend to?

Indeed you are Andrew, i dont think anyone would disagree on that.

As i asked earlier, have you reported your employer to the HSA?

Greenlights16

My partner and I have decided we don't like city life all that much (this was pre-pandemic dublin last march 2020)

And we're moving into a new home that's about 2.5hrs drive out of Dublin. Bought it at great value, would have been years before we'd have been able to afford that in Meath/Dublin/Kildare.

I'm WFH full time and don't mind it. However, I'm stressing and worrying about when we are expected to go back to the Dublin office already. I'm not sure how to bring it up with my line manager. I see this being September2021.

I would only be prepared to do this 2.5hr drive each way (180km e/w) 2 days per week to the dublin head office, and work from home the other 3. I do believe it's important to collaborate with your peers and colleagues, and good for the head to keep a real world connection with your company. I definitely wouldn't want to be at home 5 days per week.

My work ethic has been unaffected and I've been commended for the hours I've put in during this WFH stretch.

However, HR being HR I imagine someone will throw up a fuss or one of the directors will want everyone back 4 days per week or similar. Company has about 400 in head office.
They have admitted there will be "hybrid" working. I'd stay over a night midweek no problem to do my 2 days in Dublin out of my own pocket in a BnB/Airbnb.

All along I've bit my tongue and think - the less said the better until I have to deal with it. Line manager is fairly sound as he's also a director and doesn't give a toss where I am these days. Keep deciding against bringing it up with him.

We are definitely moving, no going back on that as mortgage is through.

My plan B is that I'll just try to get a job where I'm moving to but it's regional and pay won't be near as good.

strandroad

Greenlights16 wrote: »

All along I've bit my tongue and think - the less said the better until I have to deal with it. Line manager is fairly sound as he's also a director and doesn't give a toss where I am these days. Keep deciding against bringing it up with him.

We are definitely moving, no going back on that as mortgage is through.

My plan B is that I'll just try to get a job where I'm moving to but it's regional and pay won't be near as good.

You could also find another job headquartered in Dublin, but more flexible. Many companies will be considering the 1-2 days in the office model.

It might be a good idea to flag your preferences with your manager, but without full disclosure just yet. Now is the time when companies are taking temperature and employee feedback has good chances of bubbling up to decision makers.

moycullen14

Greenlights16 wrote: »

My partner and I have decided we don't like city life all that much (this was pre-pandemic dublin last march 2020)

And we're moving into a new home that's about 2.5hrs drive out of Dublin. Bought it at great value, would have been years before we'd have been able to afford that in Meath/Dublin/Kildare.

I'm WFH full time and don't mind it. However, I'm stressing and worrying about when we are expected to go back to the Dublin office already. I'm not sure how to bring it up with my line manager. I see this being September2021.

I would only be prepared to do this 2.5hr drive each way (180km e/w) 2 days per week to the dublin head office, and work from home the other 3. I do believe it's important to collaborate with your peers and colleagues, and good for the head to keep a real world connection with your company. I definitely wouldn't want to be at home 5 days per week.

My work ethic has been unaffected and I've been commended for the hours I've put in during this WFH stretch.

However, HR being HR I imagine someone will throw up a fuss or one of the directors will want everyone back 4 days per week or similar. Company has about 400 in head office.
They have admitted there will be "hybrid" working. I'd stay over a night midweek no problem to do my 2 days in Dublin out of my own pocket in a BnB/Airbnb.

All along I've bit my tongue and think - the less said the better until I have to deal with it. Line manager is fairly sound as he's also a director and doesn't give a toss where I am these days. Keep deciding against bringing it up with him.

We are definitely moving, no going back on that as mortgage is through.

My plan B is that I'll just try to get a job where I'm moving to but it's regional and pay won't be near as good.

I think you bring up a really interesting point here. What will the working environment look like when the pandemic is 'over'? Some will want to go back to pre Covid normality and others, having got the taste of the benefits of WFH, won't want to ever see an office again.

You would have to think that there are enough benefits for both employees and employers to make WFH standard in the long term. That said, it is likely to be company-specific.

No way am I going back to a 5 day commute after this.

Greenlights16

Yeah I'm afraid of how to phrase it. He's very approachable but I don't want to shoot myself in the foot if this isn't even going to be an issue until this winter.

That's why I have just put the head down and worked away saying nothing, haven't caused him any issues since pandemic.

If they say no and they want me there 3+ days a week then that's it I guess, just the way things go. Couldn't afford to stay in Dublin 2 nights for 3 days work and definitely wouldn't do 5 hours driving per day for 3 days a week+.

I like the firm though and wouln't want to leave.

strandroad

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Yeah I'm afraid of how to phrase it. He's very approachable but I don't want to shoot myself in the foot if this isn't even going to be an issue until this winter.

Mention that you have some accommodation decisions to make and whether he is hearing anything from up above in terms of working pattern predictions after Covid so that you could take it into consideration?

moycullen14

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Yeah I'm afraid of how to phrase it. He's very approachable but I don't want to shoot myself in the foot if this isn't even going to be an issue until this winter.

That's why I have just put the head down and worked away saying nothing, haven't caused him any issues since pandemic.

If they say no and they want me there 3+ days a week then that's it I guess, just the way things go. Couldn't afford to stay in Dublin 2 nights for 3 days work and definitely wouldn't do 5 hours driving per day for 3 days a week+.

I like the firm though and wouln't want to leave.

Not sure there is much point looking for anything definitive now. Nobody knows how this is going to play out. I'd say most companies have only the vaguest idea about how and when they will get back to normal - and what normal is going to be.

What you might do is just let it be known that you have moved. It's a bit of information that may feed into the future decision making process. It may make the company realise that a simple 'Right, everyone back in now' strategy isn't that simple.

PARlance

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Yeah I'm afraid of how to phrase it. He's very approachable but I don't want to shoot myself in the foot if this isn't even going to be an issue until this winter.

That's why I have just put the head down and worked away saying nothing, haven't caused him any issues since pandemic.

If they say no and they want me there 3+ days a week then that's it I guess, just the way things go. Couldn't afford to stay in Dublin 2 nights for 3 days work and definitely wouldn't do 5 hours driving per day for 3 days a week+.

I like the firm though and wouln't want to leave.

They won't have an answer at this stage, I would imagine. I'm not sure raising the subject would be of benefit. But then again, if you get on well with your boss, it may be worth mentioning and seeing if you can work something out before policies are set in stone.

I've been remote working for years, originally moved out of Dublin with our young family, kept the same job and did 2 days in the office. Then had another semi remote job. I also had a 2.5hr commute to Dublin and it was fine for the first year or so but became a real drag after that. I'm in a fully remote role for the past two years and love it.

I think you'll have a year or so to figure something out once things return to "normal" so I wouldn't sweat it. We're delighted we made the move.

AlmightyCushion

strandroad wrote: »

Mention that you have some accommodation decisions to make and whether he is hearing anything from up above in terms of working pattern predictions after Covid so that you could take it into consideration?

I wouldn't say he has an accommodation decision to make, that would be the way to phrase it before he bought the house but the accommodation decision has already been made. But yeah, asking has their been any discussions about how things will play out with WFH after Covid is an idea.

If they are already saying they will adopt a hybrid approach, then as long as you are a good employee and have a good relationship with your manager then I can see them being open to letting you work from home 3 days a week.

meeeeh

strandroad wrote: »

Mention that you have some accommodation decisions to make and whether he is hearing anything from up above in terms of working pattern predictions after Covid so that you could take it into consideration?

This. Pretending there isn't an issue won't help you. At the moment WFH is the policy so they can't just call you in but later they could and you could end up in situation where you are required to spend 5 hours per day commuting just to be able to work. If you have the indication what are future plans regarding WFH you will at least have time to prepare.

You don't need to tell them anything definitive, I'm pretty sure they don't care where you live as long as you are able to do your job.

Antares35

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Yeah I'm afraid of how to phrase it. He's very approachable but I don't want to shoot myself in the foot if this isn't even going to be an issue until this winter.

That's why I have just put the head down and worked away saying nothing, haven't caused him any issues since pandemic.

If they say no and they want me there 3+ days a week then that's it I guess, just the way things go. Couldn't afford to stay in Dublin 2 nights for 3 days work and definitely wouldn't do 5 hours driving per day for 3 days a week+.

I like the firm though and wouln't want to leave.

I'm in a somewhat similar position. Although I've been told that WFH will be facilitated for me because of the nature of my job, it remains to be formalised. OH is looking for something that allows permanent remote working, at the moment he is due back August 2021 but like that again there is discussion around a hybrid model. I think a hybrid would work best for me anyway, I'd be happy 1-2 days in office max. We don't want to buy in Dublin anyway, never did. We've been given AIP on a mortgage though, so it's unlikely he will be able to leave a permanent position for the next six months until we draw down.

I would say that now is definitely the time to be having that conversation, at least getting it started. I did with my boss on my first day back after mat leave lol. And by the sounds of it there are plenty making noise about wanting the status quo of five days to return, so no harm in the rest of us balancing the agenda a little

Man Vs ManUre

Many people stayed in the scratcher till midday today after watching the Super Bowl. Another great perk of working from home.

OU812

Man Vs ManUre wrote: »

Many people stayed in the scratcher till midday today after watching the Super Bowl. Another great perk of working from home.

Not me.

Fecking 8:30 standup to present at (long booked)