Telework is a work arrangement that allows an employee to perform work, during any part of regular, paid hours, at an approved alternative worksite (e.g., home, telework center). It is an important tool for achieving a resilient and results-oriented workforce. At its core, telework is people doing their work at locations different from where they would normally be doing it. This makes sense when you consider that ‘tele’ comes from the Greek word meaning “from a distance” – when combined with work it means “work from a distance.”
The history of remote work has deep
roots, spanning several generations. From hunter-gatherers to the first farmers, home was not
only where the heart is. It was where the work was done, too. People lived and
worked in the same living space to improve life for their tribes (or families).
While industries blossomed during the Industrial Revolution, it didn’t stop
craftspeople from continuing to work from home. These artisans would create their goods and offer their
services from shops that often served as both a store, and (in the back or
above the main floor) as a living space for their families.
By far, telecommuting is one of the
greenest ways to work. Back in the 1970s, the clean air movement, gas shortages,
and high fuel costs inadvertently created a platform for remote work. For workers who were environmentally aware, it helped
create the case for people to start working remotely, and, save Mother Earth,
too. Telecommuting has increased by 115%. Numerous studies have shown that workplace flexibility outranks salary as job seekers’ number one criteria in considering a job. As more people demand flexible working options, the workplace will only continue to respond in kind, since more companies are staffing remote employees.
While some companies have been hesitant to have an official flexible work policy, others have seen the benefits and are openly adopting flexible work for both employer and employee. After all, when Fortune 500 companies such as Dell, Aetna, Amazon, and American Express are all allowing employees to thrive with flexible schedules, it’s easy to agree that telecommuting and flexible work options are advantageous to all. Teleworking is not without its rewards and challenges. For a successful Teleworking experience, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
·
Comfort equals
more productivity
·
Divide up your day into time chunks (between work projects).
·
Don’t constantly monitor
your cell phone.
·
Establish “office” hours.
·
Have a workspace with the proper equipment to
do your job.
·
Keep the lines of
communication open (with
your home
office).
·
Reward yourself (with the
money you would have spent on work related expenses).
·
Separate your work life from your private life.
·
Take breaks when they are needed.
·
To be successful
and productive, get the bulk of your work done before lunch.
·
To be your best focused self, Drink your water
·
You need to be disciplined to manage potential
interruptions.
·
Chances are you will be alone.
“In most cases,
tech workers don't telecommute because their bosses discourage it or their
companies prohibit it. Sixty percent of help-desk and support workers don't
telecommute at all -- often because they're in the office supporting all the
other telecommuters. In some cases, they're working on large, expensive
equipment that you just can't take home with you.” (Cynthia
Morgan)[i]
[i] Sources used:
“10 Tips for Telecommuting Success” by John Egan
“10
Tips to be a Proficient Telecommuter” by Drew Hendricks
“5 Things to
Consider Before Telecommuting” Personal
Branding Blog
“5 Tips for Teleworking” by
Digital Works
“Teleworking Advantages and Disadvantages for
Employee” By Krishna Reddy
“The History of Remote Work: 5 Fun Fast Facts”
by Jennifer Parris --shares
“What is Telework” by
Telework.gov
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