Telework

Vice President, Cofounder of TManage, Inc.

Once you know what teleworking is, you can begin the process of determining if this is the choice for you. Remember that teleworking can be done to whatever degree best suits your needs. One of the most attractive aspects of teleworking on a personal level is its flexibility. You can customize your work schedule.

The first question to ask yourself is if your job function can be handled from a location remote to your companyÌs traditional offices. With current and ever evolving technology, as well as a shopping list of equipment to link you to your company, it probably is possible for you to operate remotely. Depending upon your job description, a combination of a fax, copier, and computer can make you accessible and fully able to do your job.

Before basing your decision on the many personal issues involved in choosing whether or not to telework, it is important that you do an honest appraisal of your own work style. Teleworking requires an individual who can manage her time, stick to a schedule and maintain a professional attitude without the usual trappings that are generally associated with career professionalism. You have to know that professionalism lies in the manner in which a task is performed rather than what you are wearing or where you are sitting while performing that task.

The most important single trait necessary to successfully telework is the ability to prioritize. You need to be able to assess and reassess all tasks and deadlines so that nothing falls between the cracks. Functioning independently has its advantages and disadvantages. There is no one to interrupt you or to "nudge" you.

After completing the above steps, you are ready to check the real-world viability of you as a teleworker. Ask your manager what she thinks of teleworking and your chances of successfully teleworking. This kind of conversation should be a good learning platform for both of you. She may need some background material on teleworking. Go to the discussion prepared to discuss teleworking as a concept as well as you as a teleworker. You will know what qualities are required for a teleworker and you will have already analyzed your possession of these traits. Your ability to make a good case for yourself as a teleworker will add to your managerÌs confidence in your ability to succeed. She will want to make a decision that is good for the company and reflects well on her. Translate: Be certain that you can do it.

Most people have to make decisions based on the effect it will have on the bottom line financial savings. Choosing to telecommute frees up a significant amount of disposable income. You can eliminate or reduce commute costs such as vehicle expenses and gasoline. There are the other savings from wardrobe demands and meals out. There are also all of the invisible costs such as wear and tear on your vehicle, absenteeism due to illness, and parking.

If you have people at home who need your time and attention, whether children, parents or pets, full-time teleworking permits you to work from home on a full-time basis. With a basic set up of a computer and fax machine, you can check messages, conduct meetings and communicate with staff members, managers and customers. By having a regularly scheduled time at the official office, you can maximize the efficiency of that face to face time spent with other employees. Full-time or part-time teleworkers find that they more carefully manage their time so that an extra, unplanned trip to the office is not necessary.

Both teleworkers and their managers find that teleworking provides a more focused work environment. Projects can be pursued without the distractions created in a traditional office. There are no fellow employees to stop by and ask questions or chat. Certainly in a home office there are other distractions like neighbors, deliveries and the usual home routine. However, in a home office, you have more control. You can post a sign declaring your work time or let the answering machine catch all calls while you are in a work mode. Since you probably chose to telework so that you could manage home needs, you can juggle those around your work demands by prioritizing. You have regained control of time that was previously dedicated to daily commutes, getting dressed for work, and making arrangements for the time away from your home.

There are several other benefits to telecommuting. There is the improved quality of life based on the amount of personal time you have reclaimed and the things you have chosen to do with that time. You can make a decision as to where to live based on nothing more than personal and family requirements. You can be more involved in home and neighborhood activities and duties.

The final but most compelling reasons for telecommuting have to do with the benefits it provides the community. The most obvious benefit is the reduced traffic and energy consumption and associated pollution. By freeing up personal time, individuals have more time to participate in community projects requiring volunteers. By having people in the community during the day, there is a more watchful and attentive presence that will ensure an ever-improving quality of life that will benefit everyone.

Copyright © Advancing Women (TM), 1996-2006 For questions or comment regarding content, please contact publisher@advancingwomen.com. For technical questions or comment regarding this site, please contact webmaster@advancingwomen.com. Duplication without express written consent is prohibited

Copyright © Advancing Women (TM), 1996-2006
For questions or comment regarding content, please contact publisher@advancingwomen.com.
For technical questions or comment regarding this site, please contact webmaster@advancingwomen.com.
Duplication without express written consent is prohibited