Hello,
I'm Mervi Eskelinen!
An artist, nerd and sorcerer, dedicated to make world softer and better for everyone, and to get you to make more art. Make art, change the world!
Out of the office
Today there shouldn't be need for offices. At least not need for going to the office every day. We could work from home. Some of us do. Many still don't. Of course there are jobs that require being in a certain place at the certain time. Like nurses and firemen. But us who aren't nurses or firemen, those of us who do most of our grande work hunched before the bright light of the screen, shouldn't need to go to the office.
Basically, in my opinion, it comes down to a couple of things: Habits and needs that have nothing to do with the real creativity. Many people need to get out of their homes and amongst others. To socialize. To get away from the kids, the husband, the wife. Work shouldn't be the getaway, but it just remains to be it.
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On the other hand the employers and stock holders require us to be at the office. It's their way to get an illusion of efficiency. If they don't know where the employee is she cannot be working and cannot be efficient. Actually sitting at the office for 7 to 8 hours a day, 5 days a week is mostly just grande waste of everyone's time. You know, all the socializing.
Yes, there are situations where face to face might be easier, but most times this is not the case. And even then, as we now have the technology, using Skype, Facebook, email, spreadsheets and virtual worlds should be good enough. And meetings can be arranged, as they would be at the office, if it's really necessary.
Long distance work may not be for everyone. There's no social pressure of having coffee, lunch and even cigarette breaks. There are other sort of distractions, such as hobbies and tv. There's no need to seem busy, and there are only deadlines to keep the work going on. There may not be regular work hours, but rather working whenever. And it's hard to keep track of how much one has worked. This may lead to working too much and forgetting to have the time to socialize and to have enough breaks. This may lead to 16 hours work days. Not bad for the employer, though.
And obviously there's no getaway from the kids, the husband or the wife. Or the pets. Don't forget the pets.
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