L&D 2020: Shaping change in learning
Work & Business
Moofers (Mobile Out of Office Workers)
New technology has made it more practical than ever before to live a business life in nomadic fashion1. And thanks to fast, multi-megabit broadband speeds on mobile phones and free wi-fi networks with almost universal coverage in the developed world, being a mobile out of the office worker has never been easier.
Moofing is a loose acronym which was first popularised back in 2007 based on the term ‘mobile out of the office’. It describes someone who is working from a location best suited to the task in hand whether than be in the office, at home or usually in another location. Companies who employ moofers understand that work is something you do not somewhere you go 2.
From a trickle in the early 2000s, the earliest out of office workers were noticeable tapping into their big laptops in the corner of coffee shops, hotel lobbies and airport lounges or wherever a wi-fi connection could be found. Many were ‘in between’ sales meetings or making use of dead time when they were away from their offices. Now the new generation qualify as Moofers because they have broken away free from desks and work on the move, mobile from choice.
Today’s moofers in 2020 probably do still have an office space. Of sorts. Somewhere. Although they may not visit often. They conduct deals, hold meetings and find inspiration anywhere they happen to be. Many restaurants and clubs have diversified with designated meeting rooms and back-office services so moofers can make best use of occasional pitstops throughout the day or night, recharging equipment and themselves. Not to mention printing out the documents for the next meeting.
Moofing is not linked to a particular sector or business type. Some are entrepreneurs running their own technology based companies. Some are small business workers or freelance workers like journalists. Others work for big business with professional or managerial roles who need to travel to meet clients and collaborators. Plus someone has to go round and motivate all those homeworkers once in a while!
Office-based big business colleagues used to be wary (and on occasion even jealous) of their moofing colleagues and needed reminding that out of sight is not out of mind – they can always be contacted if you need them. But now those colleagues benefit from other types of flexible working themselves in-office vs out-of-office worker relationships have improved.
1. http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article3016053.ece
2. www. personneltoday.com/blogs/workplace advice/2007/11/flexible working
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