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The Challenge of Managing Teleworkers

Working from home or hardly working?

Keeping tabs on mobile employees is very different from keeping track of those that work next to you. No wonder so many managers are being challenged by the growing number of teleworkers – which now stands at 28 million, according to a recent survey by the International Telework Association and Council.

"Talk to me"

The source of the problem is communication. Many managers feel cut off when an employee works off-site, says the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. It makes the solution sound so simple.

Better communication

However, better communication requires the right technology and executive support. Managers also must change the way they manage.

InterCall, a leading company providing Video and Web conferencing services used by teleworkers, and Michzel Dziak, author of "Telecommuting Success," have several tips. Here's how managers can get the most out of teleworkers:

• Don't manage attendance, manage performance. "Good managers rarely need major adjustments to their performance evaluation process to accommodate teleworkers," Dziak said. "If the manager manages by evaluating work output, it actually becomes easier to keep track of teleworkers' work output and perform evaluations."
• Support workers with collaboration technologies like video and Web conferencing, and practice effective meeting management. "Good virtual meetings require preparation and planning, and the technology to allow workers to collaborate," according to Bob Wise, executive vice president, InterCall.
• Identify tasks suitable for remote work. Not all assignments can be performed remotely. Consult with telework and technology experts to determine positions, tasks, and jobs that are and aren't suitable for remote work.