Comments on: Marissa Mayer & Yahoo Send a Clear (Negative) Message to Employees & Working Parents

By: Carol

Carol — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 16:22:36 +0000

Great article, Melanie!

By: Frankie De Soto

Frankie De Soto — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 06:39:20 +0000

Excellent blogpost Melanie. I to enjoy working one day out of the week at my job but this may be a different case for Yahoo. Marissa has been tasked in restructuring Yahoo and removing working from home is maybe a strategy in better organizing the company’s various divisions and departments. We don’t know the full extent of how bad their management and it seems there’s an issue of keeping track of those who are working from home and how productive they’re doing so this may help in showing which employees are truly dedicated to Yahoo’s success and are willing to adapt to the new policy from those who are there without the passion, another strategy in reducing workforce costs. Maybe down the road, she will re-enact the policy but for now employees need to work together and interact alot more to make Yahoo what it was several years ago. Besides, in a slowly recovering where people are still trying to find jobs, Yahoo employees should be blessed to be working with a company that may turn around under her guidance.

By: Tough Cookie Mommy

Tough Cookie Mommy — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 23:33:56 +0000

Melanie, I would love to have the opportunity to work from home so I could have more time to be involved in my sons’ school. Unfortunately, this seems to be a privilege that is reserved for a few. I agree with you, this sets a bad precedent for other parents to possibly have this option. Smaller companies are definitely looking to larger companies to set the example. It’s sad that a woman wouldn’t see the importance of giving her employees this option.

By: Bicultural Mama

Bicultural Mama — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:40:30 +0000

When my department moved from NYC to NJ, my commute went to 2 hours ONE WAY. We were allowed to do work from home for part of the week, and I was more productive because I didn’t have a crazy commute and could work longer then.

By: Kelly Hand

Kelly Hand — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:54:47 +0000

I think it would be helpful to have some solid research out there about the pros and cons of working from home, but the reality is that it has benefits not only for parents, but also for employers (who can spend less on office space, utilities, etc.) and for the environment! Cut out the stress of commuting and there will be health care benefits, too (it can’t be good to sit in a car for an extra hour or two each day). I’ve written a novel, Au Pair Report, that is partly about the chaos of working from home, but I’ve been doing it for 7 years and think my employers have benefited tremendously from the flexible arrangement. My current employer has no office, and they bought me a laptop and printer ink, but otherwise have no office costs. Working at home is a boon for small non-profits and can work well for big corporations as well. I do think it’s great to have occasional days when employees see each other in person, but it need not be every day.

By: Ana Flores

Ana Flores — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:48:29 +0000

I definitely agree that what threw me off the most was the blanket statement. Not everyone is cut out to be able to be productive when working from home, but why take that right away from the ones that are being productive and an asset to the team.
It is a blow to working parents and also to anyone who thrives in an alternative environment.
I wonder what she really has up her sleeve.

By: Divina

Divina — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:11:06 +0000

Melanie, great post but sadly this happens more then you know. I had to choose between quitting my job or paying an outrageous amount in daycare for two. It’s so unfortunate that such an advanced country like the United States is so behind when it comes to work/life balance.

By: Jeannette

Jeannette — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:04:21 +0000

Melanie, I agree with you. A blanket policy send the wrong message, just as research is emerging proving that there are instances in which productivity is actually improved. I wonder whether they will reconsider their stance or fine tune the policy with all the backlash.

By: Jai

Jai — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:19:53 +0000

Let’s talk about the fact that she returned after only two weeks of maternity leave also. Talk about another step back for working moms. She’s making it seem like nothing else matters as long as you get to work. Because I’m going to be more productive at work then I am at home? Not a chance. Some days the prodcutivity is out the window. and those people that were working from home due to other personal obligations are not going to be more productive at work. They are going to be miserable about this new policy. And probably looking for another job before June when the policy takes effect. I’m curious to see what is going to happen next.

By: Kristine

Kristine — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:03:59 +0000

Ridiculous! Work from home is the way most of us will manage our lives in the future. For a tech company not to use tech to connect its people–pulling best teams from anywhere in the world rather than little office feifdoms–ludicrous. I hope her board shows her as much compassion as she is showing her employees.