Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 10: Keeping at home workers safe)
February 11, 2010 by Phil Montero · Leave a Comment
Welcome to Part 10 of our 13 part audio series on Flexible Work and Telecommuting – Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization“.
When implementing telework many managers and HR departments are concerned about how to ensure workers health and safety are protected adequately, outside of the normal office environment. When working from a home office it is really a shared obligation. While companies have a responsibility for their employees safety while “at work” employees are also responsible for maintaining a safe home environment.
In part 10 of our podcast we look at some of the considerations and planning involved to ensure safety and reduce risk for your telecommuters.
So listen in to Part 10: Keeping at home workers safe
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:25 — 4.0MB)
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Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 9: Security and Confidentiality)
January 21, 2010 by Phil Montero · 2 Comments
Welcome to Part 9 of our 13 part audio series on Flexible Work and Telecommuting – Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization“.
One common concern when allowing people to work from home, or anywhere outside the office, is the security of company data. With more people using laptops, smartphones, and other portable computing devices company data is often used and accessed from multiple locations. While security should certainly be a concern when setting up a telework program – don’t let fear prevent you from taking advantage of all the flexibility this way of working has to offer. With proper planning and forethought you can have the technology and policies in place to ensure your people can work from anywhere while still keeping your company data secure.
In part 9 of our podcast we’ll be discussing security and confidentiality while looking at how to keep your data safe when people are working from remote locations.
So listen in to Part 9: Security and Confidentiality
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:55 — 3.6MB)
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Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 8: Managing Expectation)
December 1, 2009 by Phil Montero · 2 Comments
Welcome to Part 8 of our 13 part audio series on Flexible Work and Telecommuting – Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization“.
In rolling out a telework program it’s critical to have realistic expectations for involvement and output. You need to have a clear idea of what success looks like so you will know when you have achieved it and have proper feedback channels in place so you can determine what areas might need more work or attention to fine tune your program. Don’t overlook the importance of training to help your people adjust to this shift in work and management style. You also want to make sure managers and teleworkers understand what is expected of them.
In part 8 of our podcast we will be discussing how to manage expectations and the importance of having clear measurable objectives, getting feedback, and providing training.
So listen in to Part 8: Managing Expectation
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 5:29 — 5.0MB)
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Sandbox Time – The Importance of Play When Learning New Technology
November 18, 2009 by Phil Montero · 21 Comments
One challenge many teams and organizations face is getting their people to use and embrace much of the amazing collaboration software and technology that is available. In working with virtual teams, we find that many people tend to fall back on email rather than shared online work spaces – or opt for traditional conference calls rather than using web meeting or conferencing services.
Find Their Comfort Zone
The biggest stumbling block is getting your team comfortable with the new software or service and truly understanding the benefits it provides.
In short, why would it make my life or job easier?
Far too few companies provide training on these technologies – so you and your colleagues are forced to figure it out as you go along or after a very brief tutorial. This sink-or-swim mentality causes many of these powerful tools to go untouched and impedes productivity.
The secret to turn this all around is simple . . . play!
The Power of Play
Play is a non-threatening way to remove stress from learning and encourage exploration of the features of new technology. Create some type of project for your team that’s fun and everyone will be excited about using the new tool.
Want your team to start using SharePoint or some other type of web-based discussion board or collaboration space? Why not setup a place where they can share recipes, bios, and information about their hobbies and families?
Want them to use WebEx or some other meeting service? Create time to have a regular virtual water cooler where they can share photos, create a Read more
Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 7: Where Do We Start?)
November 13, 2009 by Phil Montero · 15 Comments
Welcome to Part 7 of our 13 part audio series on Flexible Work and Telecommuting – Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization“.
When looking to roll out telework or flexwork in your organization it often helps to start with a pilot program. This can help you gather important feedback, make sure you have the right technology in place, and help you recognize any speed bumps that might arise when expanding your program throughout the rest of your company. The size of your company will dictate how formal and involved this process needs to be. However having some type of trial period is always a good way to start.
In part 7 of our podcast we look at steps for successful telework implementation and how to get started.
So listen in to Part 7: Where Do We Start?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:01 — 2.8MB)
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