Telecommuting

Telecommuting involves working at a location other than the conventional office. It could be your home or even an office close to home. Telecommuters use technology like computers, fax machines and the phone to relay information. Telecommuting does not have to be a full-time arrangement. People who telecommute may do so only two to three times a week. Telecommuting generates a number of employer, employee and community benefits.

It’s easy to set up a telecommuting program. Here’s how:

1. Form an internal steering committee to plan the program.
2. Develop an implementation plan.
3. Conduct an employee information briefing on the program.
4. Select eligible employees through a survey/selection criteria determined by the internal steering committee.
5. Conduct orientation sessions for participants and managers.
6. Commence six-month test period.
7. Survey participants and managers during test period.
8. After the test period, evaluate the program.
9. If successful, consider program expansion.