Firm policies and pilot projects help make programs successful
In a time of rising gas prices and advanced communications technology, an increasing number of companies are turning to telecommuting as an affordable way to maximize talent retention and offer employees a desirable perk.
Yet many companies lack the knowledge to implement a successful remote work and telecommuting program, according to St. Louis, Mo.-based telecommuting expert Brandon Dempsey.
Most companies can implement a telecommuting program with their current infrastructure but sound policies and procedures are critical to any program’s success, said Dempsey, who is the vice-president of telecommuting consultancy Suite Commute.
There are five common mistakes companies make when they implement a remote work and telecommuting program, according to Dempsey.
1. Lack of concrete policies and procedures
Companies should take the time to lay down the process of telecommuting at their company, which can vary greatly. Companies often go to Google and search for policy samples, but Dempsey said there isn’t a one-size-fits-all policy and by taking this approach legal implications could arise down the road.
2. Over-investing in technology
Companies shouldn’t rush out to buy the latest technology for their remote work and telecommuting program. Instead, businesses should look carefully at the jobs their virtual employees will perform and buy the technology that makes sense for those jobs. Companies can often use their existing IT infrastructure without buying any new software or hardware.
3. Failing to train managers
Managing someone remotely requires a different set of management skills, especially concerning communication timing. Companies should train managers who will be overseeing virtual employees to help them learn the techniques they need to effectively manage at a distance.
4. Lack of an implementation strategy
Whenever a company embarks on a remote work and telecommuting program, it should first explore whether this type of initiative fits the business model. Companies should map out business drivers and define the goals of a virtual work option before implementing the telecommuting program.
5. Overlooking a pilot program
Companies embarking on a telecommuting program should first test the initiative. Instead of allowing 100 staff to telecommute, try a pilot program first and deploy 10 or 15 employees. After all the policies and procedures are in place, then the initiative can be widely implemented.
Yet many companies lack the knowledge to implement a successful remote work and telecommuting program, according to St. Louis, Mo.-based telecommuting expert Brandon Dempsey.
Most companies can implement a telecommuting program with their current infrastructure but sound policies and procedures are critical to any program’s success, said Dempsey, who is the vice-president of telecommuting consultancy Suite Commute.
There are five common mistakes companies make when they implement a remote work and telecommuting program, according to Dempsey.
1. Lack of concrete policies and procedures
Companies should take the time to lay down the process of telecommuting at their company, which can vary greatly. Companies often go to Google and search for policy samples, but Dempsey said there isn’t a one-size-fits-all policy and by taking this approach legal implications could arise down the road.
2. Over-investing in technology
Companies shouldn’t rush out to buy the latest technology for their remote work and telecommuting program. Instead, businesses should look carefully at the jobs their virtual employees will perform and buy the technology that makes sense for those jobs. Companies can often use their existing IT infrastructure without buying any new software or hardware.
3. Failing to train managers
Managing someone remotely requires a different set of management skills, especially concerning communication timing. Companies should train managers who will be overseeing virtual employees to help them learn the techniques they need to effectively manage at a distance.
4. Lack of an implementation strategy
Whenever a company embarks on a remote work and telecommuting program, it should first explore whether this type of initiative fits the business model. Companies should map out business drivers and define the goals of a virtual work option before implementing the telecommuting program.
5. Overlooking a pilot program
Companies embarking on a telecommuting program should first test the initiative. Instead of allowing 100 staff to telecommute, try a pilot program first and deploy 10 or 15 employees. After all the policies and procedures are in place, then the initiative can be widely implemented.
