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Re:Amazon to Close 4 of Its 5 US Call Centers, Shifts to Wor... by jstummbillig on Saturday October 01, 2022 @02:11PM (#33048614)
> Humans need social support.

I'll readily admit, that I have very little knowledge about the possible realities of call center workers. Do they usually include social interaction at the workplace or is the whole setup more so geared towards oversight? Because (as always) saving on the commute at the very least frees up some time to do with whatever works for you, although it might take some additional motivation to do something positive with.

> Of course there are many obvious upsides which I’m sure HN readers will quickly defend

No need to be defensive. We can try to be better, one non-defensive comment at a time.

Re:Amazon to Close 4 of Its 5 US Call Centers, Shifts to Wor... by bobthepanda on Saturday October 01, 2022 @03:12PM (#33049140)
Having worked at one, the other call center workers are an important outlet of venting and source of camaraderie, because at the end of the day they too have been screamed at by some unpleasant person over the phone refusing to give you information yet expecting you to help them.

I wonder what that looks like in a WFH scenario.

Re:Amazon to Close 4 of Its 5 US Call Centers, Shifts to Wor... by wombat-man on Saturday October 01, 2022 @03:15PM (#33049166)
maybe they could break them into teams and give them chat rooms to vent and discuss call topics?
Re:Amazon to Close 4 of Its 5 US Call Centers, Shifts to Wor... by dpkirchner on Saturday October 01, 2022 @04:11PM (#33049632)
One nice thing about venting in person: it's less likely to be permanently recorded somewhere. I've definitely held back online.
Re:Amazon to Close 4 of Its 5 US Call Centers, Shifts to Wor... by unethical_ban on Saturday October 01, 2022 @02:31PM (#33048795)
"They're sharing a drink they call Loneliness, but it's better than drinkin' alone" - Billy Joel

Even if you don't talk every hour, you do have conversation. You are reminded that other people understand you, and they live your life. Conversations can happen spontaneously in a way they never will on zoom or slack.

A fully remote workplace is a lonely, sad place. I know.

Re:Amazon to Close 4 of Its 5 US Call Centers, Shifts to Wor... by lolinder on Saturday October 01, 2022 @03:16PM (#33049169)
Not for everyone. These conversations need to distinguish between different living arrangements. My fully remote workplace is awesome! When I need a break I play with my 3-year-old son. I eat lunch with my wife. I have no commute, so I can be with my family right at 5 every day and have a good few hours before bedtime.

For someone who lives alone, I can see remote being lonely. For someone without a place set aside for work, I can see it being hard to focus. But for me and my family, it's perfect. I won't be going back to an office at least until the kids are moved out.

Re:Amazon to Close 4 of Its 5 US Call Centers, Shifts to Wor... by spoils19 on Saturday October 01, 2022 @03:20PM (#33049214)
> A fully remote workplace is a lonely, sad place. I know.

I disagree vehemently - looks like you're simply trying to pass off your own experience as fact for the rest of people, which isn't appreciated. I know companies that have been fully remote since day 1 and every employee has thrived, both in terms of productivity but overall morale and happiness.

Re:Amazon to Close 4 of Its 5 US Call Centers, Shifts to Wor... by unethical_ban on Saturday October 01, 2022 @04:10PM (#33049619)
Of course I am. Just like the majority of HN here passes off their experience with WFH, with their families and their huge houses and their established careers, as perfect with no downsides - how dare anyone think an office is useful for socialization, career development, collaboration.
Re:Amazon to Close 4 of Its 5 US Call Centers, Shifts to Wor... by jstummbillig on Sunday October 02, 2022 @06:05AM (#33054563)
While I am hard pressed to remember any instance where somebody got dared to think that, it's certainly a topic that is handled pretty lopsided on HN.
Re:Amazon to Close 4 of Its 5 US Call Centers, Shifts to Wor... by jstummbillig on Saturday October 01, 2022 @02:50PM (#33048964)
> A fully remote workplace is a lonely, sad place. I know.

I know that it doesn't have to be true, depending on the person and where they are at. Anyway, I hope you are good where you are right now or, if not, will be soon.