Teleworking is a highly efficient solution to an organization and a green solution to the environment, so how come more businesses are not utilizing remote offices? The main factors behind the resistance to teleworking include: technology and security issues, as well as letting go of the traditional face to face management style. In order to create a successful teleworking program employer and employee must overcome these issues.
Technology
The standard set of equipment needed for an employee to work remotely is a phone, printer, personal computer, fax machine, software, and high speed internet. A VoIP phone, which would allow call management and teleconferencing and a good headset which would allow an employee to work with both hands freely will maximize a teleworker’s time.
Security
Security is always a concern within a business, especially when businesses take on remote employees. VPN (Virtual Private Network) accessing is a cost effective solution that provides remote and secure access to a businesses intranet for a teleworker. Setting security compliance training will not only educate employees about security risks and concerns, but will also help employees understand the best practices for security safety and consequences when not complying to such policies.
Trust
A recent Booz Allen Hamilton and Partnership for Public Service study discovered that federal managers were the largest single factor among barriers to adopting a remote employee program. In order to beat those barriers managers need to start thinking outside the traditional management style. Performance needs to be measured in results, not in punch reports. Setting expectations with an employee when starting a telework program will be the key to the programs success.
Teleworking is highly impactful to the efficiency of an organizations infrastructure and it’s benefits on the environment range from less traffic on the roads to less office space needed. With proper training and equipment, management should feel confident in their teleworkers.
