BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES, INC. Successful Teleworking

Objectives What is Teleworking? Who is impacted? Document your arrangement Work hours and availability Communication arrangements Potential impact Challenges Dealing with backlash Self Care Call it a day Wrap up

What is teleworking? Arrangements that give employees flexibility with work hours and location  WFH – Working from Home  WAF – Working at Home  Telecommuting  E-working  E-commuting Replaces the need to commute to a central workplace. Telework vs. telecommute. Nomad workers and web commuters Many variations:  Full time away from the office  Working at home a few days a week or month  Coming into the office a few days a month

Who else is impacted when you telework? Your manager Your colleagues Others at home and/or those who are close to you.

Document your arrangement Work Hours and availability Work Set-Up/Home Office Support Delivery of work and materials Communications Evaluation criteria and development plan

Work hours and availability Your proposed schedule and work hours If and when you will come to office Availability for emergencies beyond work hours Duration of program before evaluation Need for flexibility on both sides.

Your Work Area Tech Support Arrangements Location and set up of your home office Needed equipment, furniture, work tools, supplies Compliance with safety and security issues Who will be contact person(s) Contingency plans if networks are down (e.g., phone calls, .) Can/will they come to your home if necessary? Other considerations

Considerations Impact Plans for keeping in touch  you and your manager  Make sure these are clearly articulated so there are no misunderstandings. How often? At an arranged regular time? Ad hoc? Keeping in touch with colleagues. Clarity about when you are and are not working Sanctity of your workplace – privacy, off-limits Teleworking is not a substitute for child or elder care. Communications Arrangements

Potential Impact on You Need to set clear boundaries Allow for an adjustment period while you get used to your new arrangements Need to establish new routines  Get dressed, get yourself into work mode, go to work  Minimize distractions  When and how often you check s, etc.  When you take breaks, do errands, exercise, et Dealing with change.  Even when change is desired, it can still be difficult  Missing colleagues and old routines  Feeling isolated or out of the loop.

Two Major Challenges # 1 Not working 24/7 Feeling the need to give 150 percent in order to keep the current arrangement Fear that they will appear undedicated or seen as not working if they are not 100 percent available Feeling compelled to answer all s right away. Remember: Your job is your job and not your whole life. You will do better work if you have more balance and fun in your life. Working constantly will catch up with you in terms of your health, stress and the quality of your life.

Second Major Challenge #2 Remain visible Make specific plans to stay in touch with people and follow through Stay involved - offer to help others or volunteer to organize an event Tell others what you are working on (they probably won’t know otherwise.). Respond to all s and calls – even if not immediately Make an effort to come into the office periodically have lunch in the cafeteria

Dealing with Potential Backlash Some colleagues may be skeptical about whether you are really working or are out shopping. Learn to laugh or joke about this perception. Studies show that teleworkers typically spend more hours actually working than people in an office where there are constant interruptions and social conversations. Make sure your co-workers aren’t burdened with taking care of your work when you are not in the office.

Advice from Teleworkers Make your workspace a place where you enjoy spending time. Surround yourself with things that make you feel good Keep your work neat and organized Keep what you need within reach Comfortable  sufficient light  adequate heating/cooling. Follow your natural schedule Work in blocks of uninterrupted time

Self Care Drink plenty of water Resist temptation to snack throughout the day Take regular short breaks Try to get outside during the day Do some kind of exercise daily Maintain good sleep habits  (7-8 hours 80% of the time) Practice good nutrition Stress management and relaxation

Call it a day Shut down your computer when you have finished your work for the day. Don’t go back to work after you’ve finished. Remember: You do not have to be available 24/7 no matter how grateful you are for being able to telework!

Think about your situation What will be your greatest challenge? Why? What people if any will be involved? Other factors? Commit to following up

Wrap Up Issues to consider when planning a telework program How your program will impact both you and others Challenges faced by teleworkers Advice from fellow teleworkers