Along with benefits of improved productivity and reduced commute time, there are challenges in remote, mobile and telework environments. All employees should have clear expectations from their supervisor on schedules working from home and being in the office. Ideally, there should be staff meetings to review these expectations so everyone is clear. Then, have a group or shared calendar that staff can post their leave and telework days.
Below are some questions for managers to facilitate the dialogue with staff;
- Should telework or remote work days be fluctuating or should they be relatively set?
- If a staff person wishes to switch telework days because of personal reasons, will that be acceptable? And in which circumstances?
- Should staff stagger their schedules so that the office is always covered?
- If there is an important meeting or training, and some of the staff are teleworking should it be required for them to come to the office for certain functions? If so, what type of functions?
- If there are staff who do not want to telework and work from home, will that be acceptable?
- How will the staff know who is teleworking or working remotely? (e.g. shared calendars, separate telework schedule or staff meetings)
If you require assistance in facilitating these discussions for your remote work force, contact us!