For people who suffer from work-from-home-alone syndrome, Hoffice might be the solution. The Scandinavian start-up defines Hoffice as “a network for everyone with flexible workspace needs, with the aim of creating temporary and amazing working session [sic] in each other’s homes.” Simple –eh? Why didn’t people think of this before?
How it works
Hoffice brings together telecommuters from all walks of life, who “work from home” in a fellow member’s apartment, to create a simulated working environment for the day. A loosely built team like this gives the self-employed a chance to eliminate the dreadful isolation that dampens productivity and focus. The project, to a certain extent, also fulfills the deep-rooted need for camaraderie, which people working on their own lack.
From Life-Of-Pix
The normal work routine is structured with no-nonsense, 45-minute time periods followed by 10-minute breaks. To increase productivity, there is a focus on determining goals. For example, the facilitator will invite a member of the circle to say his name and state his day’s goals with the group.
It is the facilitator’s job to guide the workers through the day, assist with introductions, and manage breaks with icebreakers, meditation, and games. People who wish to participate can join an existing group on Facebook or create a new one, inviting others to join in. In an effort to keep the process voluntary, the Hoffice people have kept the meetings free with expenses being borne by the participants themselves.
With low operating costs and a healthy social environment working towards a collective goal of achieving set targets, the idea seems to have several merits.