Presenter Kirby Smith

10/16/07

• Telecommuting is the use of computers and communication technology to work from a remote location, instead of commuting to a central office.

• This article examines telecommuting from the prospective of a manager and in this case an editor of a school paper.

When deciding to implement a telecommuting policy it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons of how it will affect you business.

There are also several things that need to be consider be for allowing employees to telecommute.

Allows you to save on office space and computer equipment.

Reduces the amount of time spent hiring and training. Since employees you can offer your employees a more flexible telecommuting arrangement.

People that telecommute can become “unplugged” from the group.

They will miss out on all of the daily casual communication.

People forget to fill them in on things.

Start with a part-time arrangement and/or a trial period◦ Have the person work in the office a certain

number of days and telecommute two or three days a week.

◦ A trial period where the person’s performance is carefully monitored.

Select people based on their strengths and work habits.◦ concentration, time management, organization,

productivity◦ “The best teleworker is a self-starter who has

demonstrated dependability, good judgment, and the ability to work independently.”

Establish productivity standards Communication plan for everyone in the

office.◦ Make sure that everyone is aware of the

telecommuting arrangement and they know how to contact the person.

Put the agreement in writing.◦ Include what equipment is required and who will

provide it.◦ How work time will be documented.◦ Clear communication plan.

Telecommuting can be an affective tool to reduce overhead cost, such as office space and computer equipment. It also can allow more flexibility for your employees.

Although you have to be careful to avoid the pitfalls, like inadvertently exclude employees from the group.

In order to make sure your employees have a successful and productive telecommuting arrangement, consider the different implementations and carefully monitor results.