Working from home opinions

Abbafan1972

Hi there.

I work from home for a large company, but the department is small.

I just wanted to read opinions on this regarding doing "other things" during works time.  Now, I'm not perfect by any means.  I do get up from my desk to make a drink, get food etc and of course go to the loo.  I realise it is important to get up now and again not be stagnant all day.  There are times when I've had to go to the door for a delivery (if I am expecting a bulky delivery, I will usually leave the porch open and they will leave it for me).  Obviously there are things that arrive that are unexpected sometimes and/or definitely require a signature. 

I was stuck on a call with a colleague on Friday for a good 2 hours I think and the call was about nothing really and in this time I could have got a lot done. I do have to speak to this person about queries occasionally, but the trouble is, the call is never quick. 

Won't post anything else at the moment - but just wanted to know if there's a level where things are acceptable and taking the pee?

Thanks in advance. 

Dazed_and_C0nfused

I was stuck on a call with a colleague on Friday for a good 2 hours I think and the call was about nothing really and in this time I could have got a lot done. I do have to speak to this person about queries occasionally, but the trouble is, the call is never quick. 

Do you mean you could have done a lot of work for your employer you felt was more useful/important?

Or you could have started making your tea/dinner, put some washing on, watched Homes Under the Hammer etc??

Van_Girl

I do all sorts of things while working from home - cleaning the house, having workmen over, popping to the shops. As long as I'm getting my work done I don't really see an issue.

If I get stuck in overly long meetings, I've been known to mute myself (I rarely bother having the camera on anyway) and popping to make a coffee etc 

elsien

We have to account for and log all our time. Every phone call, email, client visit. 

And I do other things like hanging the washing up in 5 minute bits - that’s good practice anyway, stepping away from the laptop every hour or so. 

So I can call a colleague to discuss a case and log it as best practice, and that generally ends up with 5 minute of chat as well, which is ok. All part of maintaining relationships with colleagues you never see face to face. 

But 2 hours - no chance. I now tend to a “was there anything else you specifically need to discuss because I’ve got x,y,z I need to finish before the end of the day” if it’s getting a bit long.
All you can do is be more assertive in wrapping the call up and leave it to your managers to decide if there’s anyone not getting enough done. 

If parent calls round and makes herself comfortable in my lunch break I give her a countdown for how long she's got before I get back to work. The skill is in doing it without upsetting people, and I find being upfront works for me. 

Abbafan1972

Yes I agree, I should’ve said something a lot earlier to end the call, but it was difficult as they talk quite a lot and was ranting about something but won’t go into that just yet. 

Of course I’m not going to say anything to my manager but if it were to be mentioned about this call, then of course I will hold my hands up. I don’t want to pass the blame to anyone else or get them into trouble. 

There are other issues with this kind of thing, but I will hold fire on posting about that just now. It’s really none of my business, but just wanted opinions. 

Wyndham

I don't think I understand your question? Is it about doing non-work things in works time? Or is it about how to end a long call?

If the first, then I think some time out is fine, just don't do for too long or too frequently. So, putting the washer on is fine, doing a pile of ironing isn't!

If the second, it's about being more assertive. @elsien has some good advice on how to deal with that.

BUT, I think you are actually asking a different question, and I'm really not clear what that is? Please give more details if you can and we will try to help.

TELLIT01

Although I accept that working from home during Covid was unavoidable, I don't like it in general.  Some people are disciplined enough to compartmentalise the day so work time is work time, and nothing else.  Answering the door is one thing, as breaks should be taken, but going to the shops???

On the subject of overly long phone conversations, simply say you need to get on assuming the reason for initial call has been handled.

elsien

I'm with you on the "going to the shops" thing. Although if there are things I need to do during the day that take a bit longer, I will start early or work late to make up the time. 

Van_Girl

TELLIT01 said:

  Answering the door is one thing, as breaks should be taken, but going to the shops???

I know it differs for everyone, but from my point of view, as long as I'm producing the work required and my Clients are happy, I don't feel my employer has much say in how my work day is structured. I am technically available during all working hours, as my phone is always with me

I'm sure employers might have a different opinion, but I've never much been interested in what they think  I appreciate not everyone has my outlook! On the flip side, I've also occasionally spent 12 hours or more on the road for work, so it works both ways

piesagittariusstick

A two-hour call about "nothing" (George Costanza?!) seems risky if it's a part of a repeating pattern... Even if you're not the one who tends to prolong those calls, you might be found responsible.

So, perhaps try raising the issue with that coworker next time the timer exceeds the 15 min mark? There must be a way to keep the team spirit alive without making your boss suspicious...

MovingForwards

First long meeting I sat and listened to the ramblings which didn't offer anything new to what the emails had said. Next meeting, and ever since, I've worked at the same time.