Teleworking works - can you make it work for you?

In the old days, you would have regretfully accepted the resignation. Today, you have a better option - teleworking.

One of the markers of the 21^st century workplace, teleworking is where an employee works full or part-time off-site, most often from home. In order for such an arrangement to be successful, two things must happen:     

First the easy part: You have to have the necessary technology and tools, which you will have to provide your teleworker.       

·   A notebook computer and broadband Internet connection are the minimum technology.       

·   You may have to provide your teleworker with furniture that will make their off-site working environment as productive as possible. And it's not unreasonable to ask to see the work space and how it's organized.       

Now the hard part: As a manager, you have to be able to handle such a relationship. Here are a few tips that should help you execute a teleworking relationship.       

Sit down with a prospective teleworking employee and establish the ground rules:     

·   Find out what work can realistically be done off-site.        

·   Determine how to coordinate off-site and on-site work.

·   Establish expectations for work schedule, regular communication, production, execution and delivery of work.     

·   Within the organization, talk with other employees about why this step is being taken with this one employee, so they understand and can support the new plan. If handled properly, you'll get major points for being such a cool, 21^st century manager.       

Finally, execute your teleworking plan with the objective that all parties will benefit from this new working arrangement. You should also anticipate adjustments, so schedule periodic reviews with your teleworker to discuss how things are going.       

By the way, if you're still having trouble imagining having an employee who's not under your roof, add up how many hours employees are in your building without you actually seeing them. I'll bet that number will surprise you. It might make you feel better knowing that the teleworking model is being implemented by thousands of small businesses like yours every day.     

Write this on a rock ... Teleworking works. Can you make it work for you?