0816_TOEFL-Test-and-Score-Manual-1997

People ● 209
Cruz. “It’s tough for people who have been incarcerated a long time to open
their hearts and trust people enough to let them help you.”
GREAT
Telecommuting as an Option
Telecommuting benefits workers and employers, but
IDEA
only if it’s handled right. Telecommuting can boost
the productivity of workers who are independent self-starters. Motivated
employees who live far from their offices can accomplish more by eliminating
a long and stressful commute. But some people just don’t have the
discipline to work outside of a structured environment.
Here are some tips to consider:
• Determine whether the work can be done well offsite. If the person is
responsible for writing proposals or crunching numbers all day, telecommuting
may be a viable option. If he or she is managing a team of
salespeople making cold calls, it probably won’t work.
• Figure out what technology, software, and furniture you’ll need to buy
for your remote workers and whether it’s worth the investment.
• Determine which of your employees are best suited to working at home.
In many cases, employees ask to telecommute in order to spend time
with their young children, drive the car pool, or to care for a sick relative.
Expect them to keep up with their work and meet deadlines in
exchange for offering them a flexible work schedule.
• Set up a probationary period to see if telecommuting works. Begin with
one or two days a week—this gives you a chance to work out the kinks.
Be sure to tell your telecommuters that working at home is conditional
and can end at any time.
• Make sure telecommuters keep company files and information confidential
and safe.
• Stay home and telecommute at least one day a week yourself. Many
busy business owners and managers I know do this to save travel time
and focus on important projects.