Working From Home
Posted June 24th, 2013
Working from home has become much more commonplace, as employers give workers more flexibility and independence in their work schedules. But if your company is moving in this direction, how should you structure such a program?
The first thing to do is have employees and managers meet to evaluate job duties and figure out how workers can perform their duties from home. You need to assess what the affects might be on customers and co-workers when employees shift work environments. You need to determine what the performance goals are for the employee and what the expectations are for his or her work at home. You will need to sort out what the technology requirements are for working at home and then set up the needed equipment, as well as training the worker in how to use the equipment so that he or she can maintain productivity.
You also need to look ahead and think about what obstacles the worker might encounter when working at home and how these obstacles can be overcome. You also need to set up a schedule for the employee to check in and discuss how things are going and deal with any problems that crop up.
When you are designing your workspace at home, you want to make sure it is clearly separated from other living areas. It needs to be set up purely as a workspace, so that you know when you are there, you are doing work and nothing else. You also want to set it up so that you can work efficiently, with the proper office equipment and lighting.
You also need to work out arrangements with family members so that they understand when you are in your workspace you are working and should not be interrupted. They should be aware of what your work hours are, and when they can and cannot interrupt.
And, again, you need to make sure that you stay in touch with your supervisor, co-workers and customers on a regular basis. Make sure you maintain e-mail, voicemail and calendar so that they have your current schedule, times when you are available or unavailable, and contact information.
When you need skilled and reliable workers – especially information technology workers – for your San Francisco-area company, call upon the recruiting expertise of Bayside Solutions. We look forward to hearing from you.
