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Although telecommuting might seem simple, it may take a while to work out all the potential problems. In fact, most telecommuters and telemanagers have to go through an "adjustment period" before the telecommuting program becomes routine. It is common for problems to arise during the first few months of telecommuting.
Resolving Problems and Discovering Opportunities
Take an action-oriented approach to resolve any potential problems or to identify any opportunities that may arise as a result of working at the Telecenter. First, identify the underlying causes. Second, develop an action plan. Third, identify implementation tasks. And finally, develop mechanisms to evaluate the results of your efforts. Discuss your course of action with your telemanager.
Typical Problems and Solutions
Typical problems/opportunities that may arise during telecommuting follow. The recommended solutions may not be appropriate for all situations.
| Problems/Opportunities | Recommended Solutions |
|---|---|
| 1. My supervisor is not committed to the program. | 1. Schedule a discussion with your supervisor. Try to identify what the possible reasons are for the lack of commitment. Be prepared to explain how you spend your time at the Telecenter, and what telecommuting is and is not. See if your supervisor needs more interaction/communication with you. |
| 2. My co-workers are not supportive. | 2. Talk to your co-workers. Find out if they feel that because you are not in the office they have to do more. Find ways to regularly communicate with them. Encourage them to call and contact you at the center. |
| 3. The equipment at the Telecenter is not working. | 3. Find out who is responsible for the equipment you are using. Immediately talk to the responsible party. Send a follow-up memo if needed. |
| 4. The equipment at the Telecenter is not as good as the equipment in the office. | 4. Schedule your telecommuting day according to the technology you can use at the Telecenter. Find out about being connected to the office by a modem or communications technology. |
| 5. I am more productive at the office. | 5. Determine why you are more productive at the office. You may need to spend more time organizing your telecommuting day. Develop "To Do" lists. Develop a schedule for your telecommuting day. Revise as necessary. |
| 6. My employer is not committed to the concept of telecommuting. | 6. Identify who may not be committed to the program. Work with the program champion to convince upper management. Use case studies from other telecommuting programs. Spotlight the work you have done while telecommuting. |
| 7. I feel when I'm telecommuting, there is too much pressure from the office to increase productivity. | 7. Set realistic objectives with your telemanager. Review the objectives and your progress on a weekly basis. Discuss the perceptions with your telemanager. |
| 8. I have not been able to start telecommuting. | 8. Work with your supervisor to schedule a telecommuting day. Find out why you have not been able to start working at the Telecenter. Discuss a potential schedule with a possible list of tasks for telecommuting. Propose a "trial" telecommuting day. |
| 9. I cannot schedule meetings as easily with co-workers. | 9. Ask if you can participate in the meeting by audio conference technology. A speaker phone is all you need. Be organized and develop an agenda. Fax all the necessary documents and materials to your co-workers ahead of the meeting. |
| 10. My supervisor thinks that I am not accessible when I work at the Telecenter. | 10. Remind your telemanager that you can also be reached by phone, voice mail, e-mail, beeper, or facsimile. Call your manager a few times a day until he/she gets used to calling you. |
| 11. I wish I could work at the Telecenter more often. | 11. Schedule a meeting with your telemanager. Demonstrate how effective working at the Telecenter has been. Ask to work at the Telecenter more often. |
| 12. I miss the office. It is just not working out. | 12. Telecommuting is not for everyone or for every job. You can always stop working at the Telecenter and return to the traditional office. Advise your telemanager that you wish to go back to the office. |
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