Trang Le

1
Telecommuting

• Trang Le
• CSMN 601
• Spring 2001

2
Agenda

• Introduction
• Benefits concerns
• Technology
• Management
• Conclusion

3
Introduction
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What Is Telecommuting?

• Use of telecommunication to work outside the
  traditional office
• Synonyms telework
• Three types
• Work at home
• Satellite office
• Neighborhood work center

5
Telecommuting Forecast

• The expected total number of telecommuters in the
  US

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Benefits Concerns
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Benefits vs. ConcernsEmployees

• Benefits
• Reduce travel costs, time, stress
• Increase time/space flexibility
• Increase personal freedom
• Fewer distractions in work environment
• More quality time with family

• Concerns
• Isolation from co-workers, loss of social aspects
  of work
• Loss of visibility to management
• Loss of credibility among colleagues at main
  office
• Difficult knowing when to quit
• Difficulty separating work from home-life

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Benefits vs. ConcernsEmployers

• Benefits
• Increase job performance
• Decrease absenteeism turnover
• Higher employee morale
• Access to a wider labor market
• Increase flexibility
• Reduce office cost
• Disaster preparedness

• Concerns
• Start-up costs for equipment, etc.
• Security of electronic remote access storage of
  corp. access/records at the employees home
• Reduce availability of employees for meetings
• Union resistance
• Readiness of IT infrastructure

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Benefits (Cont.)
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Social Benefits

• Ease traffic congestion
• Decrease pollution levels
• Conserve energy resources
• Closer community ties

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Technology
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Technology-- Basic Equipment

• Telephone with voice mail
• Computer with e-mail, software, internet
  intranet access
• Modem/device that connects other PC internet
• Printer, fax
• Videoconferencing equipment, broadband connection
  firewall (optional)

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Technology (Cont.)

• Basic telecommuting diagram

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Management
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Managers Characteristics

• Results-oriented management style
• Able to provide clear direction
• Trust employees
• Provide regular feedback

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Managing Telecommuting Program

• Implement a trial program
• Select employees to telecommute
• Establish realistic goals expectations

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Employees Qualities

• Computer literate
• Have support of supervisor, co-workers, customers
  family
• Can balance work non-work activities

• Self-motivated
• Adaptable
• Work independently
• Good communication skills

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Security Issues

• Security process
• Protection of employer intellectual property
• Electronic privacy concerns

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Safety Issues

• Workers compensation--- define telecommuting
  agreement
• Right to inspect the work space

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Conclusion

• Telecommuting- work outside traditional office
• A win-win solution when done right
• Technology- computer telephone
• Management- manage by results, manage security,
  safety

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Thank You
Questions?