Working from home

The world was astonished after YAHOO new CEO Marissa Mayer’s decided no more work from home accepted. http://articles.marketwatch.com/2013-03-02/finance/37284276_1_home-work-work-at-home-yahoo

My feelings are very ambivalent regarding such a policy.

There are good reasons to come to office:

Meeting people is important

Working from home can lead to loneliness and depression.

Corridor meetings are sometimes opportunity for good brainstorming

One is not obstructed by home duties, children, etc.

What are the back draws?

A lot of time is wasted in the office mingling, corridor chats, etc.

A lot of time is wasted in traffic.

If your environment is good, you may concentrate better at home.

One can decide what his best hours to work are. I know people who are more efficient during the night. Coming to the office in the morning can be a waste of time for them, since morning is totally no efficient for them.

As for myself I enjoy a lot working from home. I can decide which the best hours are for me. I can decide upon my agenda. I feel very comfortable not to dress and put makeup every morning.

On the other hand, I enjoy very much that my work is combined with meetings outside the office. In this way, I enjoy meeting people, dressing and makeup, brainstorming with others, meeting new people, and hearing about new ideas.

So, what is the best recommendation?

Women in senior positions

I experienced a lot of change during my career regarding equality for woman when it comes to senior positions. I face great improvement, but still, I am not so sure the opportunities are really equal for women and men. No question regarding salaries. No doubt majority of the western world’s woman earn less in equal positions than men, with exceptions of course.

My question is why? I saw so many examples why women are better managers than man:

·        Women work harder. They know they have to prove they are better than men.

·        Women are very efficient in their work. Managing houses and raising up children teaches us how to be efficient in everything we do.

·        Women are sensitive with people. They create pleasant environment at work. They understand better the needs of their employees. These attributes are key success factor for every organization.

·        Women conduct negotiations in a pleasant atmosphere. Thus, they succeed to achieve win win agreements.

·        Women have very good intuition for business.

·        Women know how to be assertive in a nice way.

·        Women deal less with internal politics, therefore waste no time at work.

 So, why still women are discriminated?

Employers are afraid we will have to leave for several months during maternity leave. Well, although it is an issue, if you consider a long period of talent employment, these months are negligible. We also can backup from home, and we really try harder!

Men prefer business meetings without women, because they do not have to control their language and manners.

Employers believe women are affected by their moods and hormones. Well, I met so many man that are affected  as much as women.

Anyways, We do progress, and I am so proud to see so many women in senior positions. I hope future will be even brighter!