Comments on: Does Telecommuting Kill Your Career?

By: Telecommuting or Goofing Off? « Wisdom Journal

Telecommuting or Goofing Off? « Wisdom Journal — Mon, 18 May 2009 05:52:30 +0000

[...] main target? Telecommuters. The foundation of their system is that managers don’t trust that telecommuters will work as [...]

By: George Dimopoulos

George Dimopoulos — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:17:46 +0000

Internet and IT offer unprecedented opportunities for telecommuting and a more flexible work- and lifestyles, as part of the emerging paperless trends. A number of measures can be taken to ensure that telecommuters won’t become compromized in their opportunities compared to traditional office workers. Get comprehensive information on these flexibilities at http://www.paperlessjoy.com

By: Telecommuting and Career Advancement

Telecommuting and Career Advancement — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:38:29 +0000

[...] agree with Daemon at the Web Worker Daily: Yeah, and your [...]

By: Cerebyte Blog » Blog Archive » Telecommuting or goofing off?

Cerebyte Blog » Blog Archive » Telecommuting or goofing off? — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:53:36 +0000

[...] main target? Telecommuters. The foundation of their system is that managers don’t trust that telecommuters will work as [...]

By: Barbara Saunders

Barbara Saunders — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:04:08 +0000

One of my freelance clients hires most of its writers and designers as off-site workers. I see why every time I go into the office for a meeting. Their offices are so crowded that on-site teams that work together are scattered over several blocks and people have to scramble for meeting rooms. Real estate (I’m in SF, CA) is expensive. This company knows that it would lose millions in both rent costs paid and productivity lost if it were to require certain workers to be in the office.

By: WebWorkerDaily » Archive Would You Go Back to Fulltime Office Work? «

WebWorkerDaily » Archive Would You Go Back to Fulltime Office Work? « — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:00:27 +0000

[...] done by Steelcase Inc., 64% of surveyed participants fear that telecommuting prevents them from advancing in their careers . However, researchers from Pennsylvania State University found no evidence that this actually [...]

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 15:21:58 +0000

In short, telecommuting would not work for employers/managers who feel they must micromanage their employees. These kinds of managers would not hire candidates who can work independently regardless of the opportunity for telecommuting.

For those professionals who are self-disciplined, highly skilled, and excellent communicators, telecommuting not only works, but one can and does excel.

My advice to those who are interested in telecommuting, first consider the type of work you do. Next find an employer who appreciates your skill set, demonstrates respect for their employees, and one which creates the kind of environment where you are judged on what you produce, not on the office politics. Then excel in all you do! Don’t wait for someone to tell you what/how to do something. If you do not possess this ability…then don’t attempt telecommuting.

For employers, I offer the following. When you reach the plateau where you can begin think of your employees as productive individuals who are capable of making valuable contributions no matter where they choose to do their assignments, you are providing a wonderful opportunity to help our protect our environment (you and yours benefit), create sound) relationships (happy employees=higher productivity, and reduce stress (again happy employees=higher productivity). When you learn how to be a better manager *your* life will be a great deal more productive, too!

In summary, telecommuting is an excellent opportunity for everyone concerned. However, the success of any telecommuter is highly dependent upon the culture of your company. If your company has not created a supportive environment, then, yes you probably will be held back. The answer to this is to stop telecommuting *or* find a better employer!

(look up the terms pluralism or totalitarianism – which type of employer do you work for?)

Good luck!

By: Jamie

Jamie — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 01:53:53 +0000

I appreciate all the positive comments about telecommuting. I agree wherever you are working your work ethic depends upon the person. I am looking to change careers, currently I am an Executive Assistant wanting to switch to a technical position, but I am looking for a telecommute friendly career and or company. Any suggestions?

By: itsjustelise

itsjustelise — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 02:20:57 +0000

As a Technical Writer, there are times when I would get 10x the amount of work done at home as I would at the office. I cannot get the quiet and comfort I have in my home office, and I certainly cannot avoid the constant interruptions of people with “questions” and who just stop by my office or cube. Writers, artists, and individuals who need long quiet periods of time should have the option of telecommuting as they see fit without missing scheduled meetings, phone calls, and other group/team activities. You can telecommute without working remotely all the time, and a lot of businesses fail to see this.

By: Challenging Telework Myths « Web Worker Daily

Challenging Telework Myths « Web Worker Daily — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:00:36 +0000

[...] Challenging Telework Myths We’ve looked at some of the common myths about home-based web work in the past – the ones about us all being naked, or getting lonely. But there’s another set of myths that is even more pernicious: the ones that can kill your career. [...]

By: Kim Martin

Kim Martin — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:44:06 +0000

It’s funny how polarized people are on this subject. I’m inclined to think our opinions are largely based on personal experience. Like the earlier comment from the person who managed a lazy teleworker who now thinks all teleworkers are lazy. I’ve telecommuted for 8 years of my 15-year marketing career. Do I ever take a break to walk my dog or toss a load of laundry in the washer? Of course, but I’m still working at 6:00 at night and not sitting somewhere in traffic. I eat lunch at my desk nearly every day. And, because the boundaries between life and work tend to blur for me, I often jump on mail first thing when I wake up and spend another hour or two after dinner working. As for advancement, I agree that career growth can be limited for remote employees in a corporate culture that doesn’t embrace a virtual workforce. However, if you find a company that understands the value of hiring the best talent regardless of location and knows how to leverage available tools like video conferencing, distance almost becomes a non-issue. I get “face time” with my boss and colleagues daily despite the fact that we are scattered across the globe.

By: Jack

Jack — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 07:13:42 +0000

Jack

Here�s a blog where people can write about a teacher who made a difference in their lives. They can also read and make comments on posts by others.

By: Web Worker Daily » Blog Archive Teaching the Next Generation About Web Work «

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 12:56:10 +0000

[...] workers may prioritize fulfillment and flexibility over earnings. Telecommuters may choose less advancement in their careers for the chance to work from home. The self-employed have to fund their own health insurance and [...]

By: Web Worker Daily » Blog Archive Open Thread: Are Telecommuters More Vulnerable? «

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:00:41 +0000

[...] things have changed — are you more vulnerable if you’re not physically there? Indeed, many people think that you are. Whether your manager has quit, a reorganization could change your duties substantially, or a key [...]

By: Richard Grunburg

Richard Grunburg — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 17:47:53 +0000

Be forewarned. I’m going to rant a little:
I enjoyed the article by Network World.
Our research and studies back up this issue of “less face time—-no promotion”. After working remote for the past 15 years and most recently at the largest networking manufacturer in the world– I have built a business around teleworking. Consider this: 1 in 5 companies in US allow some form of telework. That means 4 out of 5 do not. We did research to find out the largest inhibitors to businesses or agencies employing telework in their organization. #1/ Productivity Mgmt # 2/ ROI (wanted to be sure it would pay for itself, we all know that an effective teleworking program pays for itself but what is interesting about this survey is owners and managers put productivity management above ROI. Sort of a Cart before the horse issue)…..and last –#3 / Culture, Morale, Collaboration. To help accelerate adoption and break down barriers, our company, home2office, has developed a comprehensive policy based managed telecommute, keenly focused on ROI and risk management . This is all we do.

Leveraging our application and services along with third party standards based products, we provide the employer with all of the 15 or so critical success factors/ elements needing to be considered when employing a teleworker program.

I am more passionate about getting people to work from home than most anything. .The benefits are pervasive to the community, the employer and the employee. Any feedback appreciated if you care to check us out online.
Thanks,

http://www.home2office.com

-Richard

By: Randomness: The Persistence of Email, Thoughts on Telecommuting, Some Useful and Free Resources « Random Mutterings

Sat, 10 Mar 2007 15:24:33 +0000

[...] issue with telecommuting is that it might make it harder to advance in your career because your face time is reduced. This is a danger. I think you should only consider telecommuting [...]