Is Yahoo's Work Policy All That Bad?

Link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1oQaeiYI4g

Run Time:2:41

Summary

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer's decision to end the company's telecommuting policy made headlines around the world.Mayer only recently took the reins at the Internet giant, and her decision caught many by surprise.Many people in the business community have reacted to the new policy with dismay saying that it is disappointing, shocking, and even confusing.Telecommuting is generally seen as the way of the future.

An internal memo suggests that the new policy is expected to improve collaboration and communication among employees.Moreover, the memo suggests that working from home is less productive than working onsite.Yet, most studies show that working from home is actually more productive because there are fewer distractions and there is no commute involved.

For the several hundred Yahoo employees who currently telecommute, the new policy will certainly require some adjustment.Some wonder whether there is even enough room at the company to house the telecommuters who will now be required to be present.Others wonder whether the company's costs will rise as a result of the new policy.The new arrangement will also likely reduce the level of satisfaction among employees and raise the level of stress, both of which could ultimately harm the company.

Discussion Questions

1. Discuss the ethics of the new policy at Yahoo.Is it fair to tell employees who currently telecommute to either return to the office location or find a new job?What moral responsibility does Yahoo have to its employees?

2. Should employees who were hired to work on a remote basis be compensated for the time and cost of their commute?Is it ethical to change the terms of their hiring arrangement?

3. Many in the business community expressed dismay over the new policy at Yahoo.Discuss the implications of the new policy on productivity.What message does it send to all Yahoo employees?

4. Does Marissa Mayer's decision fulfill her obligation to Yahoo shareholders?Will the new policy against telecommuting increase shareholder value?