I'm curious as to people's experience with their coworkers or anyone they have to interact with that works from home. Especially now, since its not so much a "new" thing, and people mostly have their bearings in how to navigate this.

Do you think it works well (for example, instant responses due to everyone being online, no useless in-person meetings) or do you think it can be detrimental (taking a long time to respond, no ability to walk to someone's desk, in-person collaboration)? Any specific examples?

What if people who had to be in the office received some sort of stipend (for travel expense, for example)? Would this change your opinion/personal preference?

I know this is an unpopular opinion and mostly because all of my jobs I felt like I had to be on site to be effective. My thought is that, in a perfect world, people who can perform their function should be able to WFH, as long as it doesn't cause delays or problems.

But I find I'm still dealing with weird hybrid schedules ("I work 2 half days from home because umm... Covid?"), people being AFK for strange amounts of time, and a little bit of abuse of the privilege.

I think this is a topic thats worth an HONEST discussion. I don't think people are usually honest when they talk about themselves (and especially if they want to prove why they should get a perk), but I think thats just my bias.

I'd love if someone changed my mind or gave me new perspective. Would love to keep this polite! What are your thoughts?

I promise I don't work for HR and I do not manage people lol