Guest.Visitor
12-31-1969, 06:33 PM
** This thread discusses the article: TechTip: How to Telecommute and Still Be Part of the Team (http://www.mcpressonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=769) **
A successful telecommuter needs to create the illusion of being present in the office. This can be done by following the basic rules of professional communication that apply even if you're in the office. For instance, respond immediately to any emails that are directly addressed to you, especially if they require you to do something. Even a quick response that you got the email is better than nothing. Check your voicemail frequently and call back or email anyone who leaves you a message. If you can't keep checking your voicemail, update your message to indicate an alternate method they can use to contact you, like email, IM, text messaging,etc. If you hear of a big meeting coming up while you're out of the office, make sure you get the conference call number so you can join in. Keep in contact with a fellow employee who is in the office so that you are up-to-speed on issues that are occurring outside of regular communication channels. Basically, whenever possible, be there in all the same ways that you would if you were physically in the office. I once even went so far as to rig up a webcamera and microphone on my office PC so that people could actually walk up and talk to the virtual me. It was a big tourist attraction, but more importantly, it made it clear to the folks in the office that I really was on the other end of the line and accessible.
A successful telecommuter needs to create the illusion of being present in the office. This can be done by following the basic rules of professional communication that apply even if you're in the office. For instance, respond immediately to any emails that are directly addressed to you, especially if they require you to do something. Even a quick response that you got the email is better than nothing. Check your voicemail frequently and call back or email anyone who leaves you a message. If you can't keep checking your voicemail, update your message to indicate an alternate method they can use to contact you, like email, IM, text messaging,etc. If you hear of a big meeting coming up while you're out of the office, make sure you get the conference call number so you can join in. Keep in contact with a fellow employee who is in the office so that you are up-to-speed on issues that are occurring outside of regular communication channels. Basically, whenever possible, be there in all the same ways that you would if you were physically in the office. I once even went so far as to rig up a webcamera and microphone on my office PC so that people could actually walk up and talk to the virtual me. It was a big tourist attraction, but more importantly, it made it clear to the folks in the office that I really was on the other end of the line and accessible.