Change Your Office Hours

I speak to a lot of people who are confused about why they haven’t been noticed by the higher-ups, or have even been passed up for a promotion or raise.  Every time I’m engaged in this conversation I ask the same question -- “What are your hours?"

Back in the day, the concept of 9 to 5 was the norm, where people punched in, worked their 8 hours and went home. However, that concept hasn’t been the norm for a while. The 80’s and 90’s ushered in the concept that if you weren’t working 60+ hours, you didn’t care about your job. But that idea too seems to be passé.  Today, technological innovation has swung the pendulum back the other way by creating an era of “out of office” working that is as ludicrous as it sounds.

It’s no surprise that rush hour commutes have become 3 hours long when you take a look at how much time people actually spend at the office.  So many modern workers are “telecommuting” or “working from home” that these days that it seems like no one shows up to the office at all.  If working at home worked was as productive as coming to the office and helped me avoid traffic, I’d be the first one to jump on the band wagon. But the problem is, there isn’t much evidence  that “working from home” or “virtual officing” is even close to as effective as showing up at the office.

I’m a pretty driven person - I run several businesses, both corporate and private, and over 600 people count on me to provide them employment and guidance. Despite my determination and drive, I’m the first to admit that if I’m working from my kitchen, I’m probably not as productive as I am in the office.  When I’m in the office, I’m more likely to be focused and committed. There’s no doorbell or TV or pantry to distract me.  More importantly, I’m surrounded by my contemporaries, who stimulate and challenge me to give my work my all.  So why is working at home so popular?  Because it’s a major excuse not to work at all.

If you don’t love your job, working at home may sound like a godsend.  You can seem connected with email, but don’t have to actually do much of anything.  While that might sound fine for a while, it can only lead to a dead end.

If you’re really serious about moving your career up the food chain, quit working from home.  In order to grow and develop as an individual you will need constant access to and input from your co-workers.  The old saying “out of sight, out of mind” is also a powerful truth when it comes to upward corporate mobility.  Even if you’re one of the extremely rare individuals who can work remotely and be productive, you still aren’t around to be seen and heard by your superiors. 

If you’re a skilled and inspirational employee, working from home mitigates your ability to be a positive influence on the office environment (and thereby on the company as a whole) as your co-workers aren’t near you to feed off of your energy.  Just because you have access to email doesn’t mean you’re delivering all of the value you have to offer.

If you really want to do what’s best for your company, and your career, take of your slippers and head into the office!