BALANCING LIFE’ ISSUES, INC.

Managing Teleworkers

What do we mean by “teleworkers”?

WFH Working from Home

WAF Working at Home

Telecommuting

E-working

E-commuting

Nomad workers or web commuters

 Tele-work vs. telecommute

What might be some reservations?

Loss of controlFear of others wanting

to work from homeComfort level - easy

accessArrangement imposed

upon themMight even feel jealousLack of training on

how to manage

Realities of today’ workplace

Tele-work part of standard business strategyResults in:

-Increased productivity-Lower costs (e.g., office space)-Greater retention and loyalty-Recruiting the best people

Characteristics of Good Tele-managers

Flexible administrative and managerial skillsAbility to work with the big pictureKnows how to fix problems quicklyExceptional interpersonal and communication

skills Good rapport with

workersCaring, supportiveEarned the trust of their

employees

Characteristics of Good Candidates

Proven track recordUnderstand organizational operations and

cultureAbility to work independently Responsible Strong work ethicWell respectedEngenders the manager's

trust

Potential Benefits to Managers

Increased productivity  -Motivated to keep arrangement-Fewer distractions -Less stress

Increased hours of team coverage beyond 9-5 if necessary

New opportunities to learn, grow and receive good evaluations

Manager Challenges

Learning new skills and mastering new information

Honing their administrative and organizational skills

Honing their leadership skills

Opening selves to new options

The success of the telecommuting program is dependent on the entire team

Helping the Tele-worker Succeed

Not micromanagingBeing available and providing support as

neededAddressing problems quickly and openlyEnsuring inclusion in team activitiesNot overloading them with workHaving reasonable expectations

Teleworking takes a lot of self-dicipline, somebody has to really want to do it

Crafting a satisfactory Tele-working arrangement

Job Responsibilities, Assignments and

Evaluation

Hours of work and availability

Communication methods and times

Planning for the home office

Other

Take-aways and wrap up

Issues and challengesKey take awayAction plan