What a world we live in today. Over 20 million people work in a virtual environment, whether it be from home or on the road. That number grows by two percent a year, and yet while 42 percent of U.S. employers allow their staff to work remotely, they still hold a brick-n-mortar mentality when it comes to efficiency and productivity. But why?
The benefits of telecommuting for both the employer and employee are easily recognizable, yet the attempt to bind traditional work place ethics and mentality often cause irritable friction to an otherwise sublime balance of employment and satisfaction for both parties. The following guidelines should be considered when trying to bring harmony to the machine:
Smash the Clock. Telecommuting's greatest benefit is the ability to have more time with family and less at the office, but if employees are still tethered by the time clock, then the benefit often becomes a hassle. As an employer, try this instead, remove the clock with goals that need to be met by the time required and allow the goals to be met when the employee can meet them. This way, if the telecommuter wants to take the afternoon to watch their child’s ball game they can and then stay up late working on the assignment due. It's nothing but a win-win for all, and if the goals are not met then the employer has an easier way to track.
Cut The Cord. Telecommuters are never stationed at a desk; they are in the kitchen, on the road, at the local coffee shop or in meet-up groups. Why oh why would you continue to tether them to a phone? Yes, mobile phones are small and ultra portable and yes, we can all get unlimited minutes for talking while on-the-go, but that is so 1990s. Social, whether Twitter (News - Alert), Google+, text messaging, Skype calls or instant messengers, are growing rapidly as acceptable forms of communication and as long as the talk part is accomplished, then who cares what technology you use to get there.
Dress comfortably. This one should speak for itself; if a telecommuter is working from home then they don't need to wear the company uniform or shirt and tie. Dress for the environment, dress for the occasion.
Embrace the race from faxing. Echosign & Docusign are just two incredible and stable platforms that not only telecommuters should embrace, but all employers should embrace. Take the insanity out of faxing something for someone to sign and fax/or scan back to you and close the deal faster by using electronic signatures. Paperwork is completed and returned 60 percent faster.
Common sense. Employees make sure you keep the autonomy at the level of your position and allowed, don't abuse the system but enjoy the freedom and keep your head on straight. Employers, make sure you exhibit the same level of respect for all employees, do not raise or lower expectations and above all share the benefits and wisdom you gain from stepping out of the 1900s work mentality and releasing Dilbert from his cage.
David Vaughan is an industry veteran of telecom, now Director of Projects at TSG Global, Inc. To read more of David's articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Stefanie Mosca
