TECHNOLOGY FOR CHANGE

Telecommuting Finally Gets the Respect It Deserves

Judy Mottl | Date: 12-16-10 | Comments

Telecommuting saves money, can boost productivity and even makes workers happier. The federal government is finally seeing the light on what a telework "force" can provide.

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Telecommuting Finally Gets the Respect It Deserves
Now that President Barack Obama has put his John Hancock on the Telework Enhancement Act, federal agencies have six months to get policies in place, determine which workers are eligible to telecommute and get telecommuting programs in place.

Hallelujah. By enacting such a policy, and setting an example on the top government level, hopefully a wave of businesses, other municipalities and organizations will follow suit. For all the supposed "bad" of telecommuting, today's technology and network capabilities make it valuable, vital and viable for pretty much every organization. All it demands is good personnel management skills, support, resources for teleworkers who may find it a bit unusual at the start, and tons of communication between workers and bosses and other workers.

The law requires the appointment of a telework managing officer and establishes interactive training programs for teleworkers and telework managers. It also includes teleworking in business continuity plans.

And there's plenty of technology to make that all happen very easily. For IT, it means adjusting the support organization and putting processes and systems in place that don't make administration of teleworkers any more difficult than it has to be. Again, there will be a need for new policies, online support processes and an understanding that teleworking should prove efficient for businesses and workers.

One reason is that telecommuting apparently tends to make workers happier. That's according to a new study from researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Northwestern University.

It seems workers who telecommute the majority of the week are more satisfied with their jobs. And we all know what that means: Happier workers tend to be more productive, more goal-driven, more enthusiastic and more collaborative. That all translates to better, faster and more efficient business.

Take a 2-hour commute out of a person's day and provide flexibility in getting work done around other life commitments (in a way that isn't detrimental to the work flow) and yes, people will be happier.

Teleworkers tend not to stand around coffee stations chatting idly for a half hour each morning. They typically don't rush into work stressed by traffic snarls or car-related issues that crop up. They don't have to concern themselves with political vibes in the office or the constant interruptions by other co-workers. Telecommuters also aren't pulled into spontaneous meetings because they're not within physical reach.

It's not rocket science to realize that lower stress and fewer distractions can boost productivity.

Yes, there are some downfalls and pitfalls: Some people can't work alone well without a good support system and good time management skills.

So IT and business units have to work together to build and develop strategic communication venues to keep workers connected and not feel isolated. It means managers have to ensure they're staying in touch, but not micro-managing the telework staff.

Next: Tips for Those Embarking on Telework Initiatives >>