Often, the biggest problem faced when starting a Telecommuting/Telework program is breaking through the inertia of the management heirarchy.
Your immediate manager may feel that "out of sight means out of control", which is usually the biggest hurdle to overcome.
HR may not want to have the additional work of modifying existing policies & procedures, carrying out the due diligence needed to make sure that your alternate work location is a safe & healthy place, and that you comply with the overtime policies and regulations.
IT may be apprehensive about issues related to getting and being connected to the network while 'off campus' - data security, exposing the network to being hacked, 'malware' (viruses, worms, phishing etc) and support.
These days, Technology has a solution to overcome all of these and similar barriers, whether perceived or real, against working away from the traditional office.
You will find out, when you dig, that Telecommuting/Telework has been going on, but under the radar; otherwise know as 'Guerrilla' Telework. The most likely to be running under the radar are travelling executives (working from airports, hotels and other wireless-enabled locations) and those, who take work home to complete tasks over the weekend, in the evening or while on holiday so they can "stay in touch".
This section has some useful ammunition that provides to both managers and employees the rationale for adopting a Telecommuting/Telework strategy.
Making the Business Case to your Boss Suggestions on how to get a "Yes" from your Boss. Based on an article authored by IBM Canada's then Director of Diversity & Workplace Programs. Good guidelines for you to follow.
The History of Telework from 1972 Follow the tortuous birth of Telecommuting from its very beginning. This piece was authored as a module of the Telework America on-line "How to" Seminar Series, then sponsored by AT&T. 3-pages
Why Consider Telecommuting? A section of Connecticut's Best Practices Guide. CT has one of the most mature telecommuting support programs in the US. The reasons why to consider Telecommuting; all on a 3-page .pdf
What is PDF?
PDF stands for Portable Document Format which allows users to view and print documents as intended by the author.
