Try Telecommuting?

HRgsf · June 2007

Because of high gas prices, we've received inquiries from employees about telecommuting. Some employees do it on an informal basis now, but a lot more people are asking about it. It seems like it would work for employees who have laptops and can do their work that way, but I'm interested in any advice anyone has about telecommuting -- what works, what doesn't, pros and cons, etc. Thanks!

regdunlop · June 2007

one concern we had when starting our telework program was how it would effect teamwork among groups that had some people working in the office and some in their homes. one solution was to have all our telecommuters come to office on wednesdays for meetings, etc. it has worked out quite well.

bevhunt · June 2007

It's a good idea for most companies to look into plans for telecommuting as part of emergency planning for natural disasters, pandemics, terrorism, etc.

Go onto your state department of labor websites; many state DOLs have telecommuting resources and initiatives.

KLeede · June 2007

Hi - I saw this article and thought it had a lot of good points -- maybe there's a financial incentive for your company!

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/06/07/gas.prices.telework/

Good luck!

RuthG · June 2007

It really depends on the employee. Some are excellent telecommuters and others will fall prey to the many distractions at home - TV, dishes, etc... It's best if the work is qualtifiable - so that you can easily determine if their output is adequate. It's also helpful to set structured hours so you know you can reach them at certainn times.

HRgsf · June 2007

Thanks to everyone for the info! Some employees have mentioned that some
companies are giving employees prepaid gas cards(!) Anyone ever hear of that -- and how do you determine who gets what? Also, I read about a company that reimburses some mileage if employees commute with a co-worker -- anyone have any experience with that? Thanks!

countrygirl · June 2007

Here's an article I saw today about how companies are trying to help out employees because of high gas prices:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/workplace/2007-06-17-gas-commute-usat_N.htm

BKate · June 2007

Just to add my two cents--I have a long commute and worked a telecommuting arrangement out with my company when gas prices were at their highest. Basically, I came into the office for 4 days, 9 hours each day. I worked at home 4 hours on the 5th day. While one less day of driving doesn't seem like much, it save me $50.00 a month--not to mention I spent 2 less hours a week in the car.

Try Telecommuting?

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