| BUSINESSWEEK ONLINE : MARCH 27, 2000 ISSUE | ||||||||
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| FRONTIER -- FEATURES
Managing the Challenge of a Virtual Workforce TAKE BABY STEPS: When trying out virtual arrangements with new employees, take it slow. Let them show they can handle the challenge by scheduling occasional work-at-home days first. STATE EXPECTATIONS: Nip problems in the bud by letting home-based workers know what you expect from them. Go over the terms of your virtual arrangement--whether, for example, you want them to carry an office cell phone--and tell them if there are specific ways you want the job done. WRITE IT DOWN: Record directions, project changes, and updates in writing, by sending an e-mail or fax or using Web-based services that allow for sharing calendars and tracking projects. COMMUNICATE: Whether your telecommuters take an occasional day away or work from home full-time, make sure they're reachable during business hours. Phone calls, e-mail, fax, and chat all work well--but they have to be able to reach you, too. MANAGE BY RESULTS: Focus on what's accomplished, not whether your employee is working from her patio or at 10 p.m. Set interim deadlines on projects and stick to them. MEET REGULARLY: Human contact still matters. Schedule periodic and regular meetings where all team members can discuss current projects and telecommuters can catch up on office gossip. Fly out-of-towners in at least quarterly, so they can develop working friendships with your in-office staff. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ BACK TO TOP |
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