Fast, Reliable Connectivity is #1—Engineer Survey
Trying to re-create the workplace and engineering lab at home may not be ideal, but it’s what’s facing many engineers today. According to our recent survey of engineers, most agree it can be done effectively, and in general, most respondents emphasized the same important requirements.
Reliable High-Speed Internet
This is an almost universal component of each survey response, emphasizing how significant last-mile connectivity is in today’s connected world. File sharing and video conferencing have brought the last mile to the forefront in many engineers’ work lives.
“I think that a high-speed internet connection may be the most essential element of a home office,” said one respondent. “It ensures that you can hear others, and they can hear you, in the precious time that you have to collaborate.”
Staying Connected
As mentioned in a previous post, communication tools exist that, while not replacing a “hallway conversation,” can actually enhance communication if used effectively, some said. One significant factor is ensuring that all individuals involved have a home work environment that enables this kind of connected communication.
“Working from a home office, it is essential to have coordinated access to direct reports and their teams,” said one respondent.
The Physical Environment
Most respondents agreed that having the luxury of space dedicated specifically to work helps to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
“It’s essential to have space and time that is work only, which is especially helpful for multi-day projects
and tasks,” said a respondent. “Comfortable and distraction-free workspace is most helpful.”
And while re-creating the office at home may not be completely possible, establishing the same mentality should be.
“Whatever it is that makes you feel as close to your normal office environment as possible is best,” said an engineer. In other words, like most engineering projects, find the solution that works best and implement it.
