Ten Tips for Effective Telecommuting

This article holds that “the real key to successful telecommuting lies in a clear understanding of both the worker’s and manager’s roles and expectations.” It advises companies to establish well-defined job descriptions and to have manager and telecommuting employee agree on exactly what is to be accomplished and when. The article declares that telecommuters themselves need to manage themselves for their managers by proactively anticipating developments and consistently and effectively communicating with the home office. The article offers ten “guidelines” for telecommuters to help enhance their relationship with their manager. Managers, for their part, are encouraged to establish commuter support groups and a company-wide orientation that positions telecommuting as a working style alternative, not a perk.

Source: American Salesman, October, 2002