Are we taking a step back in the name of productivity? You've got to be kidding. Many consulting companies that regularly study this type of thing state in their findings time and time again, remote employees able to set their own schedule, and blend work life with personal are hugely more productive than their counterparts riding a cube in some office an hour drive time away from home. Having personal experience in this area, I can honestly tell you I spend way more time focused on work at home than I do home. Some weeks the time devoted to all things work is astronomical compared to the time I would be able to spend if doing so would require I make the dreaded trek to the office housed in who knows where office campus. Free lunch or not, the ability to exercise a bit of control over one's daily schedule does not balance with a day old tuna sandwich and a styrofoam cup of flat soda.
The issue is staff satisfaction and happiness. As an old office saying points out, "The beatings will continue until morale improves." Come on people. Wake up and smell the coffee. This is the 21st century. We passed by punch clocks in the technology sector a few weeks back ...
As for me, I'm setting the "Way Back" machine to 2013 ...
