Comments on: What Remote Workers Do Worst

By: Priyanka D

Priyanka D — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:36:46 +0000

one of the ways of ensuring transparency can be to ensure that every email is replied to… with even a “i am looking into it” this should be made mandatory.. however many may be stll disregard to do that.

By: Jim Ware

Jim Ware — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:44:00 +0000

I agree that basic communication is critical to the success of remote work programs. However, in my experience the responsibility is more in the lap of the workers’ managers, who so often fail to appreciate how different it is to work remotely. I’ve seen plenty of examples of individuals reaching out and connecting with their peers (either also remote workers, or office-bound colleagues). I’d have to say the managers bear a bigger responsibility for the problem than you’re suggesting here.

I also recommend you read Michelle Conlin’s latest thought piece in Business Week, on Telecommuting and Personality Type (http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/jun2009/ca20090616_482794.htm)for some good insights into how remote workers can “re-create” the corporate office environment.

Finally, lets focus on what remote workers do best, not worst. Our research highlights that in spite of the barriers and challenges, they are on average 15% – 20% more productive than when they were stuck in a corporate office. What does that say about what office workers do worst?

By: Dina

Dina — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:45:05 +0000

I agree with Arthur, it seems to all boil down to communication. Definitely is important to establish the ‘urgent’ and ‘non-urgent’ modes of communication with the remote worker. Some people say they will treat email with more urgency than phone, that they are more reachable there. These days I feel like I should tweet someone if I want to reach them.
Of course, if they are working FOR you, then they should conform to the type of communication you prefer to use, in my opinion.

By: thisismyurl

thisismyurl — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:02:03 +0000

I think what you’ve identified is that office bound workers and remote workers are very different personality types and while they often compliment each others style, are also unique.

By: Arthur

Arthur — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:55:39 +0000

It seems that it’s just one thing that you believe remote workers do poorly: communication. And I agree with you.

On the other hand, it makes me crazy when my office-bound colleagues send “urgent email”. If it’s urgent, send an IM or pick up the phone, and if it’s not urgent, put it in email instead. I cannot be productive if I drop whatever I’m doing every time a new email messages arrives or I’m forced to process six trivial IM’s/phone calls each hour. If you habitually waste too much of my day, you can bet I’ll seek the boss’ blessing for my plan to modify your behavior. :)

Thanks so much for a thought provoking article.