ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2008 > September > 10 > Entry
No meetings and no work schedules: No kidding!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You go to interview for a job and the hiring manager states that there are no meetings, and no set work schedules. You can come and go from the office as you please, you can work from home or while on the beach as long as you get your job done. You are judged by your results, not the amount of hours you put on the clock.
No, you are not dreaming. Welcome to the world of ROWE, which stands for “Results Oriented Work Environment.” Best Buy is perhaps the best example of a corporate workplace putting this system into practice. This article in Business Week outlines the steps the company took to successfully roll out ROWE across corporate headquarters, and plans are to implement the system at stores as well. The article states that “Since the program’s implementation, average voluntary turnover has fallen drastically, CultureRx says. Meanwhile, Best Buy notes that productivity is up an average 35% in departments that have switched to ROWE.”
Proponents of ROWE state that by focusing solely on output and allowing employees more freedom to work the way that is most effective for them, management will see an increase in productivity and a boost in staff morale. Of course, more traditionally-minded bosses fear that by not being able to keep a physical eye on their staff, many may slack off and not get the job done, and that teamwork will suffer with a staff that is scattered geographically.
What do you think about ROWE? Would you like to see this system of working implemented at your job?
Comments
By grantsforgood
September 10, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
I was employed by a company the used the ROWE system for those who proved they could handle it - sort of a reward for meeting the stated objectives. I was very productive and met all deadlines. My stress level was pretty low most of the time. I changed employers and while I have flex time, there is a big difference. Having to appear in the office just to prove that I am working is a out of date given the technology to perform the tasks anywhere.
By Unemployed or Self Employed
September 10, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
While I’m currently on the Unemployment roster, I am also building a home based business. ROWE certainly coincides with the same thought process you have to have to be self employed. The problem I’ve found with working from home everyday is this…
Either you’re living at work, or you never leave home!!!
While I make a concerted effort to get “work” done during the day, I find myself trying to “catch up” on chores I’ve neglected as I’ve built my business. The problem? Either the house suffers, my job suffers or I get nothing done on either end. Sometimes its better to have a place to go to work just to get out of the house.
ROWE would, I presume, allow you to work from home… or work from work… or work from the top of a mountain if you choose. I can see how that can reduce the stress level of morning and evening traffic… GA400 tolls… such like that. If you’re not that Type A, go-get-em, self-starter kind of person, you may find yourself at the bottom of the barrel pretty quickly though.
ROWE sounds great and sounds terrible at the same time. At least employers are opening up to the idea that M-F, 9-5 has lost its luster and place in our world.
By-the-way, if you need a little help, let me know! I’d LOVE to get out of my house for a day! Sometimes working at home ain’t all it’s stacked up to be.
By Jen
September 12, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
This type of thing needs to exist in more companies. It’s about time they started treating employees like responsible adults until proven otherwise. Increased productivity and morale seem inevitable - in part due to the freedom and flexibility, but also because of a decrease in the office politics, gossip and interpersonal conflicts we see so often in the workplace. Of course, this really only applies if companies hire skilled employees, each with a firm understanding of personal accountability and a positive work ethic.