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I run a team of embedded systems developers writing software for a kiosk system, and our productivity is about the same as it would be in-office. We've had to m

by throwway120385 3y ago

I run a team of embedded systems developers writing software for a kiosk system, and our productivity is about the same as it would be in-office. We've had to make technology decisions at times to avoid doing low-level bring-up but almost all of the work we do doesn't require a shared lab space. My team is very effective at meeting organizational goals. We're more effective than many of the higher-paid "flagship" teams at the organization. We've delivered key strategic projects that the CTO considers very successful. So no, remote work doesn't "kill productivity." It's a different way of working. There's a skillset and a set of attitudes and habits that successful remote working requires, and you have to start building that in new hires almost immediately if you want them to be successful. Like any transition in business you have to have a roadmap. And you need to think about the work your team does and how you're going to provide organizational supports without having everyone in the same room.

eschneider 3y ago
I'm also doing embedded systems work, these days focusing on a lot of low level board bring up that requires a fair bit of hardware test and instrumentation. I ended up fitting out a home HW lab this year because I just couldn't afford to get blocked on hardware issues and I was absolutely shocked at how inexpensive it was. I'm old enough to remember when an oscilloscope weight 50lbs and was a five finger investment. Now, you can get something nicer than I ever had in an office for $350. Complete no brainer if it saves me half a day a year (and oh, man, has it...) Same thing with logic analyzers. You can spend next to nothing for basic functionality or, if you're willing to spend $1K, you have access to very nice kit. Same thing with soldering stations. I _might_ have a bit more space working at an office, but rarely have I had better access to tools.

eschneider 3y ago

I'm also doing embedded systems work, these days focusing on a lot of low level board bring up that requires a fair bit of hardware test and instrumentation. I ended up fitting out a home HW lab this year because I just couldn't afford to get blocked on hardware issues and I was absolutely shocked at how inexpensive it was. I'm old enough to remember when an oscilloscope weight 50lbs and was a five finger investment. Now, you can get something nicer than I ever had in an office for $350. Complete no brainer if it saves me half a day a year (and oh, man, has it...) Same thing with logic analyzers. You can spend next to nothing for basic functionality or, if you're willing to spend $1K, you have access to very nice kit. Same thing with soldering stations. I _might_ have a bit more space working at an office, but rarely have I had better access to tools.