Managing Telecommuters Bobbie Keller North Dakota Department of Transportation

Would you rather Benefits Obstacles Management Productivity Q & A Working Here Or here

Benefits Recruitment and retention tool – more satisfied, dedicated employees Balance of home and work commitments – flexible scheduling, may reduce leave time Reduced air pollution, traffic congestion and fuel use Potentially lower overhead costs – reduced energy costs if schedules allow – pandemic safe zones

Obstacles Equipment needs – work stations, computers, networks, cell phones, copiers, dedicated home office – theft of equipment\data Face to face and telephone contacts – out of the loop – scheduling meetings may be difficult Supervision – supervisory input on problem audits – are they really working – home office distractions

Management Basic Trust & Planning – new or existing employee - task orientated – voluntary, flexible, part\full time Formal Policy\plan – defined expectations – big picture focus – weekly/monthly goals

Management Macro-managing – training – work plan – milestones Deadline – ensure work gets done – evaluations

Productivity Generally increased – less commute time – less watercooler time – greater daily flexibility – quality of work product – weather difficulties avoided – may increase and phone time

Resources THE STATUS OF TELEWORK IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REPORT es/Annual_Reports/2007_TeleworkReport.pdf es/Annual_Reports/2007_TeleworkReport A Guide to Telework in the Federal Government guide.pdf