Home Office Telecommuting

Telecommuting essentially means that an employee is connected to the office via electronic equipment – computer, fax machine, video conferencing, modem, etc. The employee can work either from home or an outside office some or all of the time.

There are several considerations to take into account when contemplating offering this option. Is the position appropriate for telecommuting? Obviously, a position that requires a great deal of face-to-face contact or shift work would not be an option. Many types of information-based jobs are perfect for telecommuting.

A supervisor also needs to realize what will be required of him or her. This could include phone supervision, increased performance reviews and on-site visits. Another consideration is cost. Who will be responsible for purchasing and maintaining equipment?

Employees must understand that their home office has to be a place that is conducive to fostering a positive working environment. They have to establish boundaries for themselves and be extremely disciplined.

Job-Sharing Benefits

This unique flexible option is when two people share or divide the responsibilities of one full-time position. The two employees need to have a comparable background and similar job experience. Between the two of them, they agree on how best to divide the work obligations and coordinate office time. For example, both employees could be in the office together for one day a week (called a common day) and then work alone for two other days each. The common day gives the employees the opportunity to plan weekly schedules, as well as attend meetings and work together as a team with clients.

Typically, such employees will share one office and computer, and equally split the salary and benefits of the one position between them. However, if job sharers have different skills and experience, each partner’s salary can be prorated independently. Health benefits can also be prorated. One of the sharers may consider going onto a spouse’s insurance plan and letting his or her partner have the full benefit package.

With job sharing, you are getting two brains and two sets of experience and ideas for the price of one. Keep in mind, however, that you may have to do additional training to ensure that the sharing partners understand all of their responsibilities. In addition, skill levels may vary, so finding two partners who match may be difficult.

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