Thinking outside the office.

Is telecommuting a good option for you?

As the economic downturn continues, companies are looking for new and creative ways to cut costs while still keeping morale and productivity high. An increasingly attractive option is allowing employees to work offsite – otherwise know as telecommuting, e-commuting, working at home (WAH) , or becoming Nanobots (Nearly Autonomous, Not in the Office, doing Business in their Own Time Staff – a term coined by David Pauleen and Brian Harmer of the Wall Street Journal). These workers stay on the job, but forfeit their office space to permanently or semi-permanently work away from the office.

According to the Annual World at Work Salary Budget Survey, 42% of organizations now offer a work-from-home option – up 30% from the prior year's survey! This option is not only a valuable attraction and retention tool for employees, but companies save money by curbing real estate and associated facilities management costs. 

Is telecommuting a good option for you?

Not everyone is cut out to be a telecommuter and it is important to recognize if you posses the personality traits needed to succeed in this role. You also must consider if your manager has the capacity to supervise a telecommuter. With the right combination, this arrangement can be a win-win situation for both you and your company. If not, it could lead to discord, resentment and low productivity, so be honest with yourself and your employer!

A good telecommuter:

• Thrives on their driven natures and personal freedom, and is able to create a work/life balance without strict guidelines
• Is a self-starter and a high achiever who produces strong results with a minimum amount of supervision
• Must be technologically self-sufficient
• Has the personal networks, knowledge and experience to deal with problems that arise on their own
• Must be flexible and willing to come into the office when needed

A good manager for telecommuters:

• Enters into the telecommuting arrangement without reserve
• Does not resent the loss of direct control
• Sets clear expectations with a final due date
• Has a trusting relationship with the telecommuter
• Must posses a clear understanding of who would and who would not make a good candidate for
  telecommuting

Making telecommuting work.   

In addition to having the right work ethic, a successful telecommuter must have the right resources. To help yourself be as accessible as an office worker, make sure you have the following tools:

• A high-speed/broadband Internet connection
• VPN access to your network that works with multiple operating systems
• A phone system that allows for remote access to voice mail, call forwarding, and easy teleconferencing
• An instant-messaging (IM) system that allows you to stay connected with your team from any location
• Easily accessible and manageable project-tracking software

Perhaps the most important way to ensure a successful telecommuting arrangement is to work with your manager from the outset to clearly define responsibilities and expectations. With the right mindset and tools, this option can help you enjoy your job more and be more productive for your employer.

For more information on how you can find more satisfaction at work, or to discuss our job openings, please contact your local Ajilon representative today.