Do you remember predictions that, because of the rise of the personal computer, email, and so on, we would soon enjoy a "paperless office"? One look in your trash can proves we’re far from giving up paper. But I predict another state of affairs: the officeless office.
Creativepro.com is a good example. You won’t find a building with our sign hanging out front. Instead, we work out of our homes, which are spread across the western United States. (That physical concentration is a coincidence, not a necessity.) And our authors can be anywhere — for example, Ben Long is cruising the Baltic Sea as I write this.
When I moved from San Francisco to a cabin in the Santa Cruz Mountains, I was afraid I’d be left out of the news loop. Happily, software companies show me their new products from afar using Web conferencing tools such as WebEx and Macromedia Breeze. Publishers send books as attachments to email messages, and when I want a printed copy, there’s overnight mail.
Without an office full of co-workers, we don’t get the casual but often important communication that takes place in hallways or lunch outings. But instant messaging has a conversational feel that’s almost as effective. One minute, Creativepro site administrator Cindy Samco is relaying the antics of her cats; the next, we’re musing on the significance of site numbers she just crunched. The good old telephone is an everyday tool, as well.
Of course, some businesses can’t function without employees in certain locations. But creative professionals are much more likely to flourish in virtual offices. If you’re one of them, I’d like to hear what makes it work for you, and what you miss. You can share your experiences. Just look for the VoxBox on the left and click "Respond to this article." Perhaps office-bound readers will find tips on how to convince your boss you can telecommute occasionally without bringing the workplace to its knees.
For resources on working outside the traditional centralized office, check out these Creativepro.com articles:
Mastering Virtual Project Management
As many of today’s creative projects are managed by multiple collaborators in far-flung locations, electronic management tools can help you stay on task.
https://creativepro.com/story/feature/16643.html
Thriving through Unconventional Collaboration
When Zaudhaus Design hit a rough patch, its founder recreated the company using a simple yet elegant business model. Here are the secrets to his success.
https://creativepro.com/story/feature/20201.html
Making the Best of a Dysfunctional Work Team
And you thought the guy in the cubicle next door was unusual. Here’s how to cope when your co-workers are small, hairy, and named Tiger, Sable, and Noodle.
https://creativepro.com/story/feature/18831.html
This article was last modified on January 6, 2023
This article was first published on July 6, 2005
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