BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES, INC.

Successful Teleworking

Objectives

What is Teleworking?Who is impacted?Document your arrangementWork hours and availabilityCommunication arrangementsPotential impactChallengesDealing with backlashSelf CareCall it a dayWrap up

What is teleworking?

Arrangements that give employees flexibility with work hours and location WFH – Working from Home WAF – Working at Home Telecommuting E-working E-commuting

Replaces the need to commute to a central workplace.

Telework vs. telecommute.Nomad workers and web commutersMany variations:

Full time away from the office Working at home a few days a week or month Coming into the office a few days a month

Who else is impacted when you telework?

Your managerYour colleagues Others at home and/or those who are close to

you.

Document your arrangement Work Hours and availability

Work Set-Up/Home OfficeSupportDelivery of work and materialsCommunicationsEvaluation criteria and

development plan

Work hours and availability

Your proposed schedule and work hours

If and when you will come to office

Availability for emergencies beyond work hours

Duration of program before evaluation

Need for flexibility on both sides.

Your Work AreaYour Work Area Tech Support ArrangementsTech Support Arrangements

Location and set up of your home office

Needed equipment, furniture, work tools, supplies

Compliancewith safety and securityissues

Who will be contact person(s)

Contingency plans if networks are down (e.g., phone calls, email.)

Can/will they come to your home if necessary?

Other considerations

ConsiderationsConsiderations Impact Impact

Plans for keeping in touch you and your manager Make sure these are

clearly articulated so there are no misunderstandings.

How often? At an arranged regular time? Ad hoc?

Keeping in touch with colleagues.

Clarity about when you are and are not working

Sanctity of your workplace – privacy, off-limits

Teleworking is not a substitute for child or elder care.

Communications Arrangements

Potential Impact on You

Need to set clear boundariesAllow for an adjustment period while you get used to your

new arrangementsNeed to establish new routines

Get dressed , get yourself into work mode, go to work

Minimize distractions When and how often you check emails, etc. When you take breaks, do errands, exercise, et

Dealing with change. Even when change is desired, it can still be difficult Missing colleagues and old routines Feeling isolated or out of the loop.

Two Major Challenges

# 1 Not working 24/7 Feeling the need to give 150 percent in order to keep the

current arrangement Fear that they will appear undedicated or seen as not

working if they are not 100 percent available Feeling compelled to answer all emails right away.

Remember: Your job is your job and not your whole life. You will do better work if you have more balance and fun in

your life. Working constantly will catch up with you in terms of your

health, stress and the quality of your life.

Second Major Challenge

#2 Remain visible

Make specific plans to stay in touch with people and follow through

Stay involved - offer to help others or volunteer to organize an event

Tell others what you are working on (they probably won’t know otherwise.).

Respond to all emails and calls – even if not immediately

Make an effort to come into the office periodically have lunch in the cafeteria

Dealing with Potential Backlash

Some colleagues may be skeptical about whether you are really working or are out shopping.

Learn to laugh or joke about this perception. Studies show that teleworkers typically spend more hours

actually working than people in an office where there are constant interruptions and social conversations.

Make sure your co-workers aren’t burdened with taking care of your work when you are not in the office.

Advice from Teleworkers

Make your workspace a place where you enjoy spending time.

Surround yourself with things that make you feel good Keep your work neat and organized Keep what you need within reach Comfortable

sufficient light adequate heating/cooling.

Follow your natural schedule Work in blocks of uninterrupted time

Self Care

Drink plenty of waterResist temptation to snack throughout the dayTake regular short breaks Try to get outside during the dayDo some kind of exercise dailyMaintain good sleep habits

(7-8 hours 80% of the time)Practice good nutritionStress management and relaxation

Call it a day

Shut down your computer when you have finished your work for the day.

Don’t go back to work after you’ve finished. Remember: You do not have to be available 24/7 no matter

how grateful you are for being able to telework!

Think about your situation

What will be your greatest challenge?Why?What people if any will be involved?Other factors?Commit to following up

Wrap Up

Issues to consider when planning a telework program

How your program will impact both you and othersChallenges faced by teleworkersAdvice from fellow teleworkers