BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES, INC. Successful Teleworking.
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Transcript of BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES, INC. Successful Teleworking.
BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES, INC.
Successful Teleworking
Objectives
What is Teleworking?Who is impacted?Document your arrangementWork hours and availabilityCommunication arrangementsPotential impactChallengesDealing with backlashSelf CareCall it a dayWrap 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 commutersMany 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 managerYour colleagues Others at home and/or those who are close to
you.
Document your arrangement Work Hours and availability
Work Set-Up/Home OfficeSupportDelivery of work and materialsCommunicationsEvaluation 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 AreaYour Work Area Tech Support ArrangementsTech Support Arrangements
Location and set up of your home office
Needed equipment, furniture, work tools, supplies
Compliancewith safety and securityissues
Who will be contact person(s)
Contingency plans if networks are down (e.g., phone calls, email.)
Can/will they come to your home if necessary?
Other considerations
ConsiderationsConsiderations Impact 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 boundariesAllow for an adjustment period while you get used to your
new arrangementsNeed to establish new routines
Get dressed , get yourself into work mode, go to work
Minimize distractions When and how often you check emails, 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 emails 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 emails 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 waterResist temptation to snack throughout the dayTake regular short breaks Try to get outside during the dayDo some kind of exercise dailyMaintain good sleep habits
(7-8 hours 80% of the time)Practice good nutritionStress 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 othersChallenges faced by teleworkersAdvice from fellow teleworkers