Managers will prevent their employees from reading this article. Either they will hide it, burn it or trash it completely. They will make sure that it does not reach you in any form. This extreme form of censorship is inexcusable but at the same time understandable.
Many software engineers are tired of the environment they work in. we came to know about this fact through the telephonic surveys we conducted last month. We simply called many software engineers; we discussed and talked about the everyday problems they faced during their working hours. To our surprise about 80% of them had a lot of complaints. While we were amazed at such a large number of disgruntled employees all over the country.
We listed down each and every problem they faced in their offices and then moved towards our next step, which was finding a solution and solving each and every issue. Below we have discussed all the solutions of various problems rather than discussing problems alone. Once you keep these points in mind you will never end up being disgruntled or dissatisfied.
- Sitting area and Surrounding
The first thing you need to focus on when you enter an organization is the space that is provided to you. Preferably it has to be a separate room with a large window showing a magnificent view. Otherwise you can definitely settle down on a separate cubicle which is yours and yours only. Don’t ignore the space, If you have less than 80 square feet, quit instantly. But if it is over 120.you need almost 15 to 20 feet so that you can easily accommodate your equipment and happily complete your current work.
- Chair
Fear backache. Your chair has to be comfortable. Try every comfortable position. Move this side move towards that side. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, then you have to instantly solve your problem. Change your chair.
- Lighting.
You are better off working in the dark. The florescent light just does not suit you. As said above, demand a WINDOW with decent light and scenery as we said in the beginning.
- Noise.
People are all the time murmuring all around you and disturbing your work. The fan on the ceiling throws a hurricane on your head with the air-conditioner howling all over. Your solution is right on your desk if you are a true software engineer. HEADPHONES. Use them, if they are on your desk then they are definitely for you.
- Parking
It has to be free. Near the building. Where you can easily guard it by keeping an eye through the window.
- Food
If you are the favorite employee, Then your manager has to give you V.I.P treatment. Since the lights are already dim, a theater effect will change your life completely. Pizza, popcorn and limitless supply of fizzy drinks and deserts should be an ongoing process. The continuous supply of deserts will provide you with an even better chair, a bigger and larger one for you even gigantic belly (assuming that you already have a large one). Don’t forget the Kernels at this point. Since you are already travelling on a road towards devouring and stuffing everything that comes in your way. For we are assuming that your manager must have already provided you with a microwave, watch out for the kernels as they pop up into a popcorn.
- Monitor
Apple Macintosh, nothing less but can be more. F U L L S T O P. (along with its trendy accessories)
- Interruptions
Meetings after every hour, you are the VIP employee. Simply boycott them.
The law says, with the right physical SEE, you can create great code despite whatever methodology your company inflicts upon you. You may have to fight for it, but in the long run, your boss may even thank you for showing how to improve productivity and morale.
Your tyrannical manager might not let you anywhere near this article, but if you have already have read it, START ACTING ON IT.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Would anybody dare to comment here? Scared to be read by his/her boss…..
Well what can I say now, Here every one knows the Environmental conditions of software houses and companies. And Usman also try to write truth doesn’t matter how hard it is, but in improvement way!.
Just wanna say. after this article we hope for the more best.
Ideal Situation for any employee including managers, as being a team lead I also feel lack of some of these things in my office. Especially lightening and sitting place including chair and desk. :( ………………….
But the truth is we cant do any thing even if we raise our voice in front of higher management :( …….
Sitting Area & Surroundings and Noise
Didn’t our boss experienced the same things? Why don’t they provide this remarkable, perfect atmosphere to us.. I wish I get this environment somewhere..
Well I think there are other major things which matters for a software engineer besides the physical and materialistic issues as discussed above. Most of the software houses in Pakistan damn care about the skill development of their employees. There should be way to share information and knowledge through conferences , presentations and continues exposure to flow of knowledge to manage our life. Growth of our software houses (knowledge and skill wise ) is less than any other country bcz we never focused on people.
Finally I will say to may boss “Hello Boss implement standards” , for the satisfaction of clients and SEs
“The Best Change Begins from Yourself”
The Software Engineer himself can bring change in his/her surroundings. No matter, whatsoever is the lighting, his desk, chair, window, Blind etc. he can spend some money of his own or even without spending money you can bring change with your creativity. The problem with most of us is that we have complaining attitude but we do not bring change ourselves.
The most of the factors mentioned above are related to environment where we work, so We can Change the environment starting from our desk.
How to bring change? Example are listed below:
Place a small Aquarium with a couple of fish, it will keep you fresh & alive.
Get your favorite Wallpaper (prefer Open sea) printed on a flex sheet and place it on your nearest wall, it will help you in relaxing.
Get permission from senior management and you can place a lamp or spot light near you, you will get your favorite light this way.
ETC.
So please Dare to Bring Change!!
:)
i am 100% agreed with MR.Adil Sikander even i am a php programmer.
I agree. Change is required by yourself. I have read some where that if you start make changing in your life, then it will keep you motivated to adopt a challenging change. In my own example (it might be weird for you all), I started changing my self in the company. I started keeping different hair style and use to change 2 to 3 hair style in a month. I change my desk setting. I started wearing ties 2 days a week. I started meeting with people more either social or work purpose. I started to have patience in listening to others. I started planning my days well and keep my own targets etc..
B/c of the recession in stock market, the companies related to KSE, were hit very hard. And being one of the employee in one of the companies, I didn’t get raise in July nor any bonus. I was dam crazy as I really work hard for one jump in the company to get the car. But in September i changed my self and here is the result. I got a new job which really suits my talent. So change is good.