Empty IBM building,
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
Canada
February 8, 2010 5:39pm CST
I saw a show on tv and it seems that most IBM employees work from home now. I personally think its a great idea. I wouldnt mind working for a big company if they would let me work from home. They showed the empty building on tv, all the desks are there but nobody sitting at the desks. Im wondering why they keep the building though?
So, would you rather work from home or do you need the social interaction you get from going to work with other people?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
9 Feb 10
From a purely personal point of view I used to work for the laughter and interaction with fellow employees. You don't get that working from home - even if it's for a company such as IBM. I find it very sad that they can't all work together under the same roof and I agree with you, keeping the building seems a strange thing to do. We have a company called Capita and (for Carlisle at least) is an extremely modern, futuristic building...with hardly anyone in it. That's not because they're all at home but Capita choose to employ many temporary members of staff. When they go they're not replaced immediately. I'd give my right arm to work in a big building as opposed to staying in the house day after day. Do all the workstations at home get assessed? Probably not.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
9 Feb 10
It wouldn't appeal to me but I suppose I'm "old school" and like human interaction with, er, humans as opposed to the virtual world. Maybe IBM are testing out new technology on their employees (nothing sinister of course) to see if it works. It's a possibility isn't it?1 person likes this
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
9 Feb 10
Maybe this company Capita is also having their employees work from home but they're not saying? Some companies are afraid of having it be known. They still have interaction and laughter since they're all connected via an internet site called "second Life". They have their avatars and all meet in a virtual meeting room, they can talk as they all have microphones and headset. I personally would like it very much. The funny thing is that the employees of Second Life, do work in an office......but they have their meetings in a virtual room and most of them have virtual offices even though they have a physical office.......how weird is that!!
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
9 Feb 10
Apparently, they are past the testing period. It seems to be the way of the future for them. It saves everybody on fuel, clothes and it saves the company a lot of money also. Sick leaves have been down drastically as people can still work if they're not well. They say the company loves it and the employees also. You can always ignore the person you dont like at the office that way haha!
@savypat (20216)
• United States
9 Feb 10
I think this is the wave of the future. So hang in there it's coming. People will find moe and more of their interaction with others through the Internet etc.
Even now many large meetings that companies hold are done through your phone or computer.. Whether this is good or bad only time will tell.
1 person likes this
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
9 Feb 10
You're right, time will tell. I cant see it being so bad as you can see each other via cameras and talk to each other, so its like being there with others. I like that idea very much so. Especially with IBM, they use Second Life which is a internet site where you pick an avatar and interact with others....pretty much like a game. It mixes reality with fantasy. Might make "going" to work more fun......can you imagine no more traffic jams???
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169452)
• United States
9 Feb 10
So what do you do that allows you to work at home?
1 person likes this
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
9 Feb 10
I do customer support. Just look for work to do at home in your area and im sure you'll be able to find something.
@GardenGerty (169452)
• United States
9 Feb 10
I would be able to do it, I seem to be fine doing the other things I do from home just fine. I turn on the television for a little company.I would just have a really hard time getting my hubby to leave me alone while I work. I would need a little cubicle or something.
1 person likes this
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
9 Feb 10
I know what you mean about hubby needing attention haha. Same for me when he's home. But I wouldnt want to go out to work anymore. Im very lucky to be able to work from home, not having to get dressed, put on makeup, etc...AND, I dont have to see my bosses haha....now the latter is the best part of it. A cubicle or a room with a lock is a necessity !!!
