Telework - Startup Tips

Below are a few tips that can help organizations consider whether telecommuting is appropriate for their workplace and how to develop a long-term program.

Decide if telework is appropriate— there are some types of businesses where telework is not necessarily beneficial or feasible.
Set Clear Guidelines and Polices— studies show that clear guidance and direction increase the chances of success for any program. Managers and Supervisors are key players in the telework process and should set the parameters and define telework policies for their organizations before implementation.
Determine Needs— determine the level of technological support needed to allow employees to work from home. For example, computers, printers, telephones, etc.
Stay Informed— stay informed of your teleworker’s workload and status of projects by establishing a strong communication process.
Manage Your Teleworkers— manage teleworkers the same way you manage other employees. Telecommuters are not performing different work, they are doing the same work just in a different location.
Judge Performance by Results— managers should judge an employee’s performance by results, not observation. Measure the employee’s performance by looking at the quality and timeliness of the end product.
Evaluate Results— when evaluating the effectiveness of teleworking within your organization, consider whether it positively impacts these key issues: productivity, operating costs, employee morale, recruitment, and retention. Also, consider how it benefits overall community concerns such as traffic flow, air pollution, and mass transit use.

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