2. What is telework?
Teleworking is defined broadly as
“working from anywhere at anytime (Kurland and Bailey,
1999)”.
In simple words telework is a method of doing work at
home, or work in a different place from usual
workplace.
3. Telecommuting & Telecommuters
Telecommuting:
The term “telework” is used interchangeably with
“telecommuting” and “virtual work” when referring to
working outside of an organization.
Telecommuters:
Virtual teams of coworkers who are scattered around
the world can be considered teleworkers even if all of
them work within an office.
4. Idea of telecommuting
The idea for telecommuting started in the early 1970s.
A scientist stuck in Los Angeles traffic reasoned that a
good deal of time and stress could be saved by moving
the work to the employee instead of always moving the
employee to the work.
5. Types of telecommuters
There are four main types of telecommuters.
1. First telecommuters who work from their homes.
These telecommuters may have a dedicated home
office space.
2. Second telecommuter is found in satellite offices that
are located outside the home and outside the main
office.
6. Types of telecommuters(Conti…)
3. A third type of telecommuter works in a neighborhood
office.
4. Mobile workers are the final type of telecommuter.
7. Teleworking is Not…
Always a full time arrangement
A replacement for child care or dependent care
Sending people home and never seeing or hearing
from them again
A benefit
Work-extension
Always expensive
8. Teleworking Succeeds When…
The employee is right
The job is right
The technology works
And the manager
approves of the
arrangement
9. Telemanaging through Goal-
Setting with Employees
Assist employees in organizing work through on one
meetings prior to teleworking for the first few times
Assigning work to employees
Defining objectives and deliverables
Establishing timeframes
Reviewing status
Coaching employees
10. Every Employee is Different
Directing
Coaching
Advising
Delegating
Developing trust
Managing electronically
Asking questions
Encouraging
independence
12. Planning for Success
Act on problems as they arise
Be honest with teleworkers
Ask for input from coworkers
Respect the teleworking arrangement
Integrate a review process
There is an adjustment period
13. Manager Advantages of
Teleworking
Positive employee morale
Increased employee productivity
Less downtime from weather, traffic
Increased employee availability
Broader talent pool for recruiting & access to
expertise
Reduced absenteeism
14. Employee Advantages
Increases focus, productivity and work quality;
reduces distractions and interruptions
Increases flexibility
Reduces commuting stress, delays, and costs
Improves morale
Accommodates work/life balance
Lower personal costs, e.g., meals, clothing
15. Teleworkers: Getting Organized
Pick a work location
Establish a routine
Replace ritual of getting ready
for office
Organize work the day before
Have an end of the day ritual
16. Teleworkers: Managing Your Work
Maintain contact with coworkers
Have a system at home
Stick to deadlines
Keep your manager informed
Attend scheduled meetings
Schedule meetings with coworkers and others
17. Developing Good Habits
and Avoiding Bad Ones
• Pace yourself
• Take breaks
• Plan lunches
• Keep in touch
• Stay productive
18. Successful Telework Programs
Have Certain Characteristics
There is a transition period!
Are seamless to the world
Plan for flexibility and change
Fit departmental culture
Plan for access and communication
19. Organizations with Successful
Programs
GE Energy
IBM
Federal Government
Delta Airlines
Bank of America
Home Depot
Kaiser Permanente
MetLife
State of Georgia
Sun Microsystems
Cisco
Hewlett Packard
Intel
Solvay Pharmaceuticals
County of Los Angeles