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So_You_Think_You_Want_to_Be_a_Telecommuter
| So, You Think You Want to Be a Telecommuter?
Do you yearn for a more balanced life and a more flexible
approach to work? Do you dream about productive workdays that
don’t include the drain of time and energy devoted to commuting?
Do you spend time in traffic (on the highway or sitting in an
airplane seat) and wonder if there might not be a better way?
More than 25 million Americans have discovered a better way!
Teleworking has become the work alternative of choice for
ever-increasing millions of workers and managers. And the trend
is projected to continue at an accelerated rate. It’s estimated
that by 2004, at least 25% of American workers will telework
during some portion of their workweek.
What are keys to success and productivity for the growing
legions of teleworkers? It’s clear that teleworking is not for
everyone. For those who thrive on plenty of interaction with
co-workers or who associate the traditional workplace with the
motivation necessary to work, teleworking presents some
challenges. Teleworking is also not a viable childcare solution
since mixing work with childcare typically leads to diminished
results in both areas.
Teleworking is ideally suited for workers who are relatively
independent, effective time managers, skilled in planning and
organizing, self-motivated, highly disciplined, technically
proficient and who have a strong performance record. Those
workers who telework effectively—and those who want to—are
likely to benefit from the following tips for teleworking
success:
BE CERTAIN TELEWORKING IS RIGHT FOR YOU. Learn what’s required
in terms of personal traits, work style, job requirements,
organizational systems support, home office environment and
family support. Address areas of concern through planning,
training, negotiation and agreement-setting discussions.
DESIGN A PRODUCTIVE—AND SAFE—HOME OFFICE. Utilize an office
layout that is conducive to the type of work you do and your
individual work style. Be certain that your home office provides
sufficient light, ventilation, and work surfaces, as well as
separation from noise and other distractions. Ensure that your
electrical system supports your requirements, and avoid hazards
such as excessive use of extension cords, the absence of
power-surge protection and stacks of boxes and other clutter
that block walkways.
AVOID BAD HABITS, DISTRACTIONS AND TIME WASTERS. A myriad of
temptations await the teleworker and threaten your productivity:
socializing with neighbors, doing household chores, watching
television, spending time with your family, making frequent
trips to the refrigerator. Teleworkers must be committed to
using time wisely and staying focused on the tasks at hand.
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BALANCE. Teleworking will not inherently
provide a perfect work/life balance. If you were a workaholic
before teleworking, chances are your workaholism will be just as
bad (if not worse) after beginning to telework. Because the
workplace is so close and always available, teleworkers must be
especially disciplined about not overworking.
NEGOTIATE EXPECTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS. Both with family members
and with co-workers, disagreements can arise. Teleworkers should
anticipate areas of potential conflict, set clear expectations
and reach agreements before controversy occurs.
ESTABLISH A SOLID FOUNDATION OF TRUST AND A REPUTATION FOR
RELIABILITY. Remember that your boss, clients or colleagues may
wonder if you’re really working when you telework. So, be sure
your performance is beyond reproach. Strive to be known for your
dependability and availability. Be prompt in returning calls,
reply to e-mail quickly, use a mobile phone for greater
accessibility and let people know the best ways to reach you
right away.
About the author:
Debra A. Dinnocenzo is a dynamic speaker, author, trainer and
expert in telework, virtual teams, and work-life balance. She is
president of ALLearnatives and author of “101 Tips for
Telecommuters.” Visit www.allearnatives.com to subscribe to the
FREE e-newsletter, “WorkWisely,“ schedule a presentation, or
obtain additional resources. To learn more about finding a
telecommuting job, visit the ALLearnatives sponsored site,
www.jobstelecommuting.com
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