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Communication

Communication is an important element of successful telecommuting. If the telecommuter has a job that requires a lot of interaction with others, then you should work with the telecommuter and assist in determining how that interaction will take place while he/she is working at the Telecenter. Face-to-face communication while the telecommuter is working at the Telecenter is only possible through video teleconferencing. The telecommuter's challenge is to determine what communication strategies can best be used while working at the Telecenter. The telemanager's challenge is in supporting the telecommuter.

ALTERNATE METHODS OF COMMUNICATING

Often, simple changes in the communication tools you and your telecommuter use will enable you to keep the lines of communication open. Not only do you need to consider how you communicate with your telecommuter, but also how others will communicate with your telecommuter. Suggestions for alternate methods of communicating are:

• If you communicate with your telecommuter via written memos, try sending those memos over the fax machine on days that your telecommuter is working at the Telecenter.
• If you communicate face-to-face, use the telephone instead.
• If you are connected to electronic mail and your telecommuter can access it from the Telecenter, continue to communicate through e-mail as if your telecommuter were in the office.
• If you communicate by telephone, make sure you have a phone number for your telecommuter at the Telecenter. Consider activating voice mail on your telecommuter's telephone line at the office. That way when co-workers or clients do not reach your telecommuter, they may leave a detailed message.
• If you need to reach your telecommuter regarding an urgent matter, consider having your telecommuter wear a beeper or use a cellular telephone.

ADJUSTMENT

As you and your telecommuter become proficient at telecommuting, it becomes easier to communicate. After the initial adjustment period, others will also find it is easy to communicate with your telecommuter. There will be some frustration in the beginning when you discover that your telecommuter is not as accessible as in the office. Sometimes when people are used to face-to-face communication, it is difficult for them to think of other ways to contact a telecommuter. Refer to Exercise #6 in the "Hands-On Approach" chapter.

In this day and age of electronic wizardry, there is a fast and effective way to communicate with your telecommuter, no matter how far away he/she is.

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