Fast Talk

May 7, 2008

Q: Are you really more productive when you "work from home"? | posted by Fast Company staff

Tags: Work/Life

10 Total

May 9, 2008 at 2:39pm

Robert Chmielinski

No. too many distractions and demands.

May 9, 2008 at 1:34pm

Mark Salinas

It would definitely depend on the individual...are they disciplined, do they set goals, do they have the resources available to communicate with all necessary individuals? What motivates the individual? I believe that personally I am more productive from home.

Mark Salinas, MN

May 8, 2008 at 9:03am

I am absolutely more productive from home because I don't have to experience the constant diversion of in-person meetings and interruptions by others.
I am very disciplined and focus on work like a laser when I am home. I can ignore email, VM, personal visits until I am ready to deal with them.

May 8, 2008 at 3:25am

Deborah Capras

I've been working from home for just over two years and I can say I've become more productive - mainly because I want to enjoy my free time, too. It may be easy to become distracted, but it's so much more easier to concentrate too - fewer interruptions, fewer meetings - and less travelling.

May 7, 2008 at 9:58pm

Ray Gardner

There is no pat answer for this.
It totally depends on the work being performed.

May 7, 2008 at 3:16pm

Natalia Hernández

Definitely- far fewer interruptions. Can concentrate more easily. THough I guess it depends on the person's style.

May 7, 2008 at 3:14pm

james townsend

About the same. When you factor in the wasted time for personal grooming and attire and commuting, my time spent in the office is not any better than at home. There are rare circumstances where the dynamics of lots of people together create magic, and that's an advantage. I think a balance between work and home needs to be achieved. For me, personally, a split of three in the office, two at home seems to strike that balance.

May 7, 2008 at 1:05pm

Albert Thompson

Yes, speaking from someone who once was brought on by a NY based multicultural agency to start up an Interactive division while living in Maryland. To appropriately set the strategic vision, think time was critical (meaning being removed from the daily disruptions). Yes, I definitely traveled frequently to provide a presence but could always count on time for the exploration of new ideas.

May 7, 2008 at 11:51am

Jennifer Henczel

Yes! I offer writing and graphic design services that I can do from my home office. Although, I enjoy the blend of on-location training as well at client locations and other venues. I offer workshops and speaking services, too. So, I can work at home in solitary sometimes, and be outgoing and meet people at other times. It's a great balance!

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