Yes Connecticut, Telecommuting Works!
Telecommute CT! would like to provide some perspective on the most common myths about telecommuting. When properly planned and implemented, a telecommuting program will work and yield substantial benefits.
Myth #1: The necessary technology is too expensive
and complex.
The investment to equip most remote workers can be minimal, because the vast
majority of tasks that can be done off site do not require access to a large
database or the swapping of huge files. Often, all that's required is the ability
to communicate with the office or with customers. Remember: The nature of the
work determines the telephony and technology requirements for the telecommuting
employee. Even with a job such as Customer Service Rep, which often requires
high speed connectivity and substantial security to enable authorized access
to a corporate database, many companies have already seen that such a level
of investment pays for itself.
Myth #2: The work won't get done.
Our experience in fact shows that, when properly trained, telecommuting employees
do get the job done -- usually with improved productivity. Managers without
prior experience supervising telecommuting employees sometimes worry that since
they can't see an employee, they can't be sure that he or she is working on
the company's behalf. Recent studies have shown sizable improvements in productivity
by telecommuters. Why? There are a few keys to making it happen. One is selecting
the right kind of person to work off site -- someone who is personally well
suited to work without direct supervision. A second key is Trust. Trust is enhanced
by frequent communication between employees and their managers. A third key
is Training. You have to prepare employees and their managers for their new
working relationship, including specifying the tasks that will be performed
by telecommuters. Our experience shows that properly trained telecommuting employees
improve productivity, as well as the quality of their work, and managers gain
peace of mind.
Myth #3: We won't know if telecommuting really
works.
Everything is measurable, including productivity. Even employers who believe
telecommuting works may not know exactly how to track the results. The key here
is to specify -- preferably in writing -- the responsibilities of the telecommuter,
including measurable goals and concrete deliverables. Be very clear. Specify
the work that will get done and the timetable for completing that work. With
an identifiable set of objectives and a system of measurement, it will be easy
to determine that telecommuting works for you and for your qualifying employees.
Telecommuting works. A growing number of companies (see "Connecticut's Telecommuting Friendly Companies") have proven it. Setting measurable goals can make it work. Telecommute CT! stands ready to help you - for free. Just contact us.