Dropbox Converts to Permanent WFH • Hacker News Board

Re: Dropbox Converts to Permanent WFH

#181

Post by rogerkirkness » Thu, Oct 15, 2020, 4:54 PM UTC

wffurr wrote: post #69

rogerkirkness wrote: post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

We give people $5k for setup (includes PC, though), reimburse cell and internet (and ask them to upgrade) and basically spare no expense on webcam, lighting and ethernet setup.

Ethernet setup - do you hire techs and electricians to run cabling? The biggest issue with me for WFH has been the quality of my internet connection and it was entirely on me to get Comcast to come fix my lines and run my own ethernet to my basement "office".

Get a Powerline and ethernet adapter for your laptop. Won't link here due to spam, just search 'Ethernet Powerline' on Amazon.

Re: Dropbox Converts to Permanent WFH

#182

Post by randomsearch » Thu, Oct 15, 2020, 4:54 PM UTC

michaelt wrote: post #12

FlyingSnake wrote: post #3

Companies who go permanent WFH must be saving a fortune on leasing space costs. If these savings don’t make it to the employees who’re using their private space for office work for free, then it’s really bad.

As far as I'm concerned, saving an hour of commute each day more than covers the costs of a desk and using a bit more electricity :)

Hate this argument, because many of us deliberately live close to workplaces - and often for environmental reasons.

Re: Dropbox Converts to Permanent WFH

#183

Post by randomsearch » Thu, Oct 15, 2020, 4:56 PM UTC

bryanlarsen wrote: post #13

Permanent WFH will allow Dropbox to more heavily dogfood their own product.

It’s a good advert for their own product. I wonder how much that fed into the decision - “encourage the trend that feeds us”.

Re: Dropbox Converts to Permanent WFH

#184

Post by randomsearch » Thu, Oct 15, 2020, 4:57 PM UTC

d3ntb3ev1l wrote: post #50

Trello has been remote first from start and doing just fine.

Trello’s UX is awful. I wonder if there’s a correlation between remote and poor UX? I can think of other examples of famous remote companies with bad UX.

Re: Dropbox Converts to Permanent WFH

#185

Post by [deleted] » Thu, Oct 15, 2020, 5:01 PM UTC

thebean11 wrote: post #138

renewiltord wrote: post #63

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Is it, though? I've always brought my own tools - my Aeron, my preferred high-refresh monitors, a Linux dev machine where possible, my monitor arms, my IDE. I have a good setup. I know it works. It's not as feasible to get my own standing desk in each time so I let that go. But they always give me everything and I just set them aside and use my (superior) tooling. I don't think that's paying the company. That's just…

I'd never even consider paying for an IDE I need for work. Why would a company not buy me software that has a direct and immediate impact on my productivity? Huge red flag.

[deleted]

Re: Dropbox Converts to Permanent WFH

#186

Post by [deleted] » Thu, Oct 15, 2020, 5:02 PM UTC

zikzak wrote: post #95

johnward wrote: post #83

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> which is problematic for building teams and culture; Why? I've been remote for about 8 years. I don't think I've had any problems building relationships. The only thing you miss from the office is the time spent screwing around with co-workers. I guess you could consider that "Team building".

We've been doing a couple of things now that everyone is wfh. We have these mixer meetings on Friday where you meet with people you never work with normally, in small groups, and talk about what you're working on. We also have online trivia contests and other games sometimes it just shoot the breeze (as sanctioned, boss scheduled meetings). As someone so has worked from home a lot over the last 20+ years and had been…

[deleted]

Re: Dropbox Converts to Permanent WFH

#187

Post by didip » Thu, Oct 15, 2020, 5:11 PM UTC

I don't understand the negative responses here.

At least for me, I want the company to treat me as an adult and trust that work can still get done well regardless where I am sitting.

This is a good move and upgrades Dropbox in my mind.

Re: Dropbox Converts to Permanent WFH

#188

Post by draw_down » Thu, Oct 15, 2020, 5:12 PM UTC

randomsearch wrote: post #182

michaelt wrote: post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As far as I'm concerned, saving an hour of commute each day more than covers the costs of a desk and using a bit more electricity :)

Hate this argument, because many of us deliberately live close to workplaces - and often for environmental reasons.

Whoops!

Re: Dropbox Converts to Permanent WFH

#189

Post by anonu » Thu, Oct 15, 2020, 5:12 PM UTC

WeWork still has a future...

I think companies will increasingly adopt this model as the "big guys" (ie MSFT, AAPL, GOOGL etc..) start to give clarity to their employees that WFH will be the norm.

To counter-balance the solitude, offices will be team building destinations.

WeWork may transform itself into a "business travel company" powered by technology of course. Companies will host off sites once or twice a month in different parts of the country - or the world - and WeWork is positioned to own the entire vertical of managing transportation, housing, event spaces, food...

Re: Dropbox Converts to Permanent WFH

#190

Post by Def_Os » Thu, Oct 15, 2020, 5:22 PM UTC

hn_throwaway_99 wrote: post #121

I guess it's not surprising but I am super disappointed by some of the comments here that show a total lack of empathy for people who aren't like you. I mean, you love working from home? Congrats, more power to you. But the number of comments stating that "only people who are good at office politics like going to the office", "only incompetent managers need to see you in person", "your co-workers aren't your friends"…

I recently pinged 2 co-workers for Friday afternoon remote "water cooler calls". I could send the relief when they had some informal time to vent and freely chat. I can recommend it wholeheartedly.