Resource
Telework Toolkit
You do your best work with the right tools.
Technology has made teleworking a thriving mode of employment, but transitioning to teleworking for the first time or fine-tuning the a work from home program takes more than simply having the right technology. It’s a comprehensive approach to fostering connection and nurturing culture. Smart Commute can help.
Top 3 Teleworking Tips for Managers:
- Maintain higher-level of communications, especially by phone or chat
- Set a schedule for routine check-ins with remote workers
- Ask how remote workers “are doing” on a more personal level
Top 3 Tips for Remote Workers:
- Check-in regularly; morning, lunch, and end of day
- Maintain relationships with managers through intentional social niceties
- Make up any work-time diverted to personal business during the day
Teleworking Resources
Common FAQs
We have a new generation of workers that grew up with technology. Teamwork doesn’t need to be face-to-face anymore. Since flexibility is desired in the workplace, it is often the top factor considered by prospective employees.
In teleworking arrangements, managers must know how to manage by results, not by sight. Good communication that everyone is comfortable with is imperative to this. (For our guidance, see our Teleworking Resources and Advice article).
It depends on your company’s policy about eligibility. Some employers will require an employee to work in the office for the first year to become accustomed to the corporate culture. Others define annual performance measurements that must be achieved to become eligible. But the first item is looking at whether work can be done from home. Employees with customer interface may be challenged in finding work that can be taken home. However, a broad range of departments have used teleworking effectively, including finance, human resources, engineering, and many others.
Teleworking is not a change in job function or responsibility.
The existing manager should continue to supervise, but in some cases, that manager may require training (which Smart Commute can help to provide).
What type of employees should work from home? The ideal teleworkers are your top performers. A good teleworker is well organized, can work independently and requires minimal supervision. Successful teleworkers have a high degree of job skill and knowledge, and strong time management skills. Teleworkers like working at home or away from the office for at least part of the week, and don’t mind working alone. Teleworking is not ideal
or desirable for every employee. Low performing employee are likely to be less effective working from home without direct supervision.
The ideal supervisor of teleworkers has a positive attitude
towards teleworking and is willing to allow employees to telework. A supervisor manages by results and not by
monitoring work hours. Effective supervisors delegate work easily, are well organized and trust their employees.
Not every manager is comfortable with a style of management that is conducive to successful teleworking.
Will employees work less if they are at home working unsupervised? No, most employees want the telework
arrangements to be successful. Studies show significant increases in productivity. The gains have been found to be
as high as 20 percent. Fewer distractions, less stress and comfortable surroundings lend to the success of
teleworking. However, not everyone is suited for teleworking, and employees who perform poorly in the office will
probably perform even worse without direct supervision.
If you have more teleworking questions or would like our help, send us your name and email, and we'll get back to you.