The number of mobile and
remote workers is increasing every day, though quantifying exactly how many people
work from home is impossible. Are you officially a teleworker if you work from
home occasionally—say, once a week—or must you commit to a daily practice?
According to the Telework Research Network, 40% of U.S.
employees (approximately 50 million) hold jobs that that could be done at
home; however, 2009 census data show
that only 2.9 million employees work from home more than
half the time (not including the self-employed). That’s only 2.3% of
the workforce— nowhere near our telecommuting potential. While telecommuting’s
flexible scheduling and relaxed work environment are often-cited benefits, there
are several “green” reasons that make working from home
advantageous:
- In a recent study, the EPA estimated that $23 billion could be saved in transportation, environmental and energy costs if 20% of the workforce worked from home regularly.
- Telecommuting reduces total vehicle-miles traveled each year by more than 35 billion and conserves almost two billion gallons of gas, significantly reducing our fossil fuel dependency.
- Employees who work at home reduce or eliminate the need for large offices that require surplus energy for air-conditioning, heating, lighting, and large equipment.
- Telecommuters tend to use less paper by saving files digitally and in the cloud, thus reducing storage space, the need for larger office or storage buildings and, of course, trees.
For those
interested in telecommuting and improving our planet’s health, here are seven
must-haves for the home office—without which you’re less likely to establish a
successful telecommuting practice.
Smartphone
A
smartphone is your lifeline, period. If you don’t already feel that way about
it, you will once you begin telecommuting. One of the benefits of telecommuting
is a flexible schedule; nevertheless, without a smartphone, you’ll find it
difficult at best to remain on top of your schedule and keep in touch with your
in-office coworkers. A smartphone bundles vital organization and communication
tools that you will rely on. Should you have to run a quick errand, you can pop
it in your bag or pocket and continue to be available if someone needs you while
you’re away from your home office.
Laptop
Although
tablets are becoming increasingly popular in professional environments as a work
tool, the laptop reigns supreme and has replaced desktops as the primary device
for knowledge workers. Laptops are both powerful and portable, making them the
optimal tool for both remote and in-office workers.
Wireless
network
Access to
wireless networks—especially a home wireless network—makes teleworking
incredibly versatile. Searching for free Wi-Fi during your travels can be a
challenge, but you’ll find that having internet access from anywhere in your
house—or out on the patio—is both liberating and convenient.
Routine
and boundaries
I write
regularly on the importance of establishing a daily routine and creating both
internal and external boundaries as a teleworker. These behaviors work
interdependently to establish a healthy work-life balance and help teleworkers
remain productive without burning out or getting distracted by non-work related
activities.
Availability
It’s
important for a mobile worker who is not always physically available in the
office to bridge the gap with team members and clients by being available during
office hours via technology. Simple efforts such as promptly responding to
emails, using video conferencing technology like iMeet to maintain face-to-face
connections despite geographic distance and, for part-time telecommuters,
leaving contact information available at your office location and in your email
signature will ensure your availability and build your colleagues’
trust.
Successful telecommuting is
far more than just sitting at home with your laptop while you work on a
document, send emails and avoid rush hour traffic. It’s a craft that must be
practiced, one that requires a certain aptitude as well as specific tools. To
succeed in your telecommuting practice, think of working from home as being
self-employed. Yes, you’re still part of the company and a member of a larger
team, but within the four walls of your home or the neighborhood Starbucks, you
are also your own supervisor. As such, you’ll need to be self-motivated,
self-governing, and self-sufficient. Equipping yourself with the right tools and
the right processes up front can get your teleworking “business” on track and
help it remain personally profitable
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