TELEWORKING WEBINAR SERIES

Telework

Teleworking, also known as telecommuting, or “working from home,” is a work flexibility arrangement where the employee performs the duties and responsibilities required by their position from a location other than where the employee would otherwise work, such as at home or coffee shops.

Telecommuting has many benefits for employers and employees but also for the community such as less vehicle miles traveled, resulting in:

  • Improved air quality
  • Reduced congestion
  • Less accidents
  • Less stress
  • More time with family and doing things you like

Remote work during a stressful time, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is different than long-term, self-selected remote work and can have different impacts on employees and employers.

Webinars for Teleworking During COVID-19

Watch Here – Remote Management: Getting the most from your employees during the pandemic and beyond.

  • Answering the question: How do I know employees are working?
  • Best practice tips for leading a remote team
  • Managing by Results

Watch Here – Telework Best Practices for the New Normal.

  • Overcoming distractions when teleworking
  • Key strategies to improve efficiency
  • Managing time effectively

Watch Here – What’s Next? Incorporating Telework into your Business Strategy.

  • How to integrate telework in the future
  • Setting up a telework program the right way
  • Understanding the impact of telework beyond 2020

Watch Here: Real conversation with real Teleworkers and Employers.

  • How are teleworkers and Employers coping during the pandemic
  • Hear best practice suggestions
  • Get your questions answered from our panel
Resources
Management Feedback Guide - Webinar 1 Resource Material
Outcome Deliverables Table
Ergonomic Stretches
Telework Distraction Log
Telework Task Worksheet
Eligibility Checklist Form
Childcare Information - Resource Material

Telecommuting during COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have found ourselves working from home. Because these are not normal telework conditions, even the most well-prepared companies, with formal telework programs in place, may find that there are challenges to working from home during the pandemic.

Please utilize the webinars and resources above to help navigate this new way of working.

Tips for managers during this time:

  • Discuss team members’ concerns or limitations about teleworking (e.g., children present who need care, limited technology resources)
  • Trust that every team member is working to the best of their ability during this time
  • Organize meetings to focus time together on activities that move the team forward, such as decision making, collaboration, and connection
  • Give timely feedback and err on the side of overcommunication
  • Manage by results rather than time and attendance, avoid micromanaging
  • Be considerate of work-life balance, employees’ “normal” workdays may change
  • Redesign roles, if necessary, to meet remote working changes
  • Encourage employees to prioritize their mental and physical health
  • Communicate the importance of ergonomics when working from home

Employers

As an employer, you may worry about disruptions to workflow when transitioning your employees to teleworking but there are significant number of benefits for employers, as well as employees:

  • Increased productivity – employees are generally more productive when telecommuting since they are not impacted by workplace distractions and can work when they are most productive.
  • Increased workforce retention – telecommuting helps to build trust and employees value the perk of telecommuting.
  • Better recruitment – prospective employees see teleworking as a benefit and may be willing to commute a little further than they would otherwise. Companies that allow fulltime telecommuting can recruit nationally, expanding their talent pool drastically.
  • Improved morale – the flexibility, trust, decrease in commute costs and more time given back to employees through telecommuting helps improve morale for employees.
  • Continuity – employees can work from home during a disaster, disruption or emergency, helping to keep your organization moving.
  • Reduced absenteeism – telecommuting removes obstacles of getting to work and allows employees who may be feeling under the weather or taking care of sick children to still work.
  • Reduced overhead – when employees work from home 2-3 days a week, it allows for desk sharing and therefore reduced workspace and associated costs.

Telecommuting is a great option for employees whose functions include:

  • Writing
  • Reading
  • Research
  • Editing
  • Working with data (entry, processing, coding, etc.)
  • Talking on the phone

What is needed? Typical costs can vary depending on the agency but typically employers equip the employee with:

  • A laptop
  • Remote access
  • Communication equipment, such as a mobile phone

Tips for employers

  • To make up for a lack of face-to-face supervision, take time to:
  • Communicate expectations and provide context for assignments
  • Set up processes and tools for documenting and sharing information
  • Have frequent, one-on-one check-ins with all team members

Employees

There are many great benefits to telecommuting, such as:

  • Decreased commute time,
  • Decreased costs
  • Decreased stress and frustration
  • Increased flexibility and
  • Increased control over work environment
  • More quality time with loved ones

If you employer offers telecommuting, here are some tips to help you be successful:

  • Have a plan for the days you work at home and bring any necessary work with you
  • Have a routine
  • Make sure to take breaks
  • Have a designated space to work
  • Communicate often with your manager
  • Quit working at your normal time