Why some lack the discipline to work hard in their homes

FOLLOWING on from Paul Price’s letter (Monday) regarding the problems of working from home: having myself worked from home for over ten years, I can confirm it is not as simple and straightforward as it would appear.

Firstly, each individual needs to be both extremely self-motivated and self-disciplined in their approach, which, clearly, would not apply to everyone either asked, or forced, to work from home.

Secondly, they need to be able to set up a work pattern for themselves which, as well as setting up a daily start and finish time, should also include regular breaks of 10-15 minutes every hour-anda-half to two hours, plus a 45minute midday break for lunch. (No deviation from this work pattern should be allowed, e.g. taking a couple of hours off to meet friends, or whatever!)

Thirdly, there’s the knotty problem of workplace health and safety requirements regarding suitable working conditions and the physical workplace itself; ideally not from a corner of the kitchen, where frequent interruptions are guaranteed, etc. And there’s also the matter of who should take responsibility for checking whether the workstation (desk, chair, computer, etc.) complies with health and safety requirements.

Lastly, an employer may well insist on certain ‘key’ working times throughout the day, and might request regular ‘check-ins’ via Zoom, etc. Should any home worker complain of feeling isolated, missing work colleague interaction and/or struggling to keep up with production, then they are clearly not suitable candidates for working at home.

ALAN WHITEHEAD, Carrigaline, Co. Cork.