Consider the sort of work you have to do – is it best in short bursts, all in one go, with other people around, alone?

Train people to communicate effectively by voice – and use the best broadband connection you can so that voice really is effective!

Consider where these tasks are best achieved – it may not be at your desk the whole time.

For more on these and many other practical points on acoustics, building virtual teams, establishing trust and much more, buy The Smarter Working Manifesto by Guy Clapperton and Philip Vanhoutte or visit smarterworkingmanifesto.com

Consider using social networking rather than email so it’s easier to track and for other people to take part.

Survey your staff and survey them again on what they want from the workplace – communication is absolutely vital if smarter working is to happen efficiently.

Guy’s ten tips for Smarter Working

THE SMARTER WORKING MANIFESTO

Watch out for people becoming isolated when they work remotely – invite them in for face to face meetings as well as video.

Consider abandoning land lines – this is the 21st century and they tie your floorplan down!

Learn to measure workers by results rather than by face time.

Measure the benefits of any smarter working policy you put in place, not only in terms of cost savings and productivity but staff retention.

Train flexible workers’ peers to understand they’re still working when they’re away – foster a culture of trust based on outputs rather than an assumption that if someone’s not on the spot they might not be working.