Companies Offering Telecommuting and Flexible Schedules Will Win in the End

I’ve had the option to telecommute since 2002. I’m a Writer, so there is not really a need for me to always be at the office. In the comfort of my home or a local coffee shop, I usually produce better work that being in a sterile, white office where you are constantly being interrupted by coworkers and meetings. It was wonderful to read Jason Fried’s article, “The Way I Work: Jason Fried of 37Signals,” in the latest INC Magazine issue.  He discusses his philosophy about work, and it’s one that I wholeheartedly agree with.  Every Manager, Supervisor, Company Executive should read this article.

It’s something that Tim Ferriss wrote about in the “The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich.” The typical office environment: People usually spend four hours or less doing actual work, and then the rest of the time is pretending to actually do it.  There are meetings about meetings about meetings, and that time could have been spent actually being productive.

I wrote a blog post, “Telecommuting Should Be An Option for Everyone,” which I talk about my philosophy about telecommuting.  It seems companies are still hesitant on allowing their employees to telecommute.  I do understand that there are some jobs where you can’t actually do it (e.g. working with classified information).  However, there can be some flexibility.  If the work is completed early or within deadline, then there shouldn’t be a need for someone to clock my time.

If the person is a fast and accurate worker, then I don’t see why companies insist that the person HAVE to be in the office eight hours a day.  There are some people (like myself) who can do a project in two hours, in which it takes another person eight.  When I interview, I usually ask the interviewer up front the following questions:

1. How is the work/life balance at the company?
2. Do you allow telecommuting?

I had two people say that “the company frowns upon telecommuting.” When I told my friend this, he said exactly what I was thinking:

“Are they stuck in the 90s?”

One thing that I learned after my horrific ordeal early in my career with a Micromanager is that I would never put myself in a position where I am not happy and satisfied at my job.  I don’t need someone looking over my shoulder checking my work, and I don’t need to be at the office at all times.  What does this show? That I am working? It really doesn’t.

I have seen some progress on the matter.  More companies are offering telecommuting and flexible schedules, so we are moving in the right direction.  We are now moving into cloud computing, web and video conferencing, and white label social networking sites, so the need to be at the office is diminishing.

For companies who are still trying to maintain some control over their employees, you will eventually lose out in the long run because you will have a higher employee turnover rate than a company that is working with their employees.

Photo Detail: telecommuting, originally uploaded by mccun934.

Blog Action Day: 5 Ways Your Office Can Help With Climate Change

Climate changes have dangerous consequences on the Earth and the animals and plants inhabiting it. Here is an interesting article, “100 Effects of Global Warming,” that lists the 100 ways climate changes can be disastrous.

I’ve worked in a few offices, and I am always shocked on how they are not trying to do much to help with environmental issues. The amount of materials wasted is mind boggling, especially when you consider that it isn’t just one or two offices doing it, but the majority of them.

Here are five ways that offices (regardless of their size) can help control climate changes:

1. Allow Employees to Telecommute – With the advancements of technology, people are more connected than ever. More and more, companies are adopting cloud computing technology and laptops/netbooks. However, even though this is increasing, companies still want their employees to be at the office five days out of the week. This is a form of micromanaging and unwilling to change that is causing more harm than good. It’s also a known fact that telecommuting has more pros than cons, so there is no reason to not start allowing this today. Telecommuting allows companies to save money while helping the environment because you minimize the use of electricity needed at the office. If you are worried about the productivity level of your employees, then try it on a trial basis. You will more likely find that it’s a good change.

2. Web Conferencing/Teleconferencing is a Good Thing – Meetings are a necessary evil because you want to work alongside your clients to provide the best solution for them. However, many of these meetings could be held via web conferencing/teleconferencing. This eliminates the need to travel by car, train, or plane, which lowers fuel emissions, while saving money. Majority of offices have this option available, but rarely use it. You are paying for a subscription to this service, so start setting up web conferences/teleconferences with your clients today.

3. Eliminate Paper Waste – The amount of paper that is wasted in an office is incredible. I try and skim through documents on the screen, or print on both sides of the paper for those documents that I need to really read. However, there are plenty of people who don’t. They print out any and every tidbit they come across, and then throw it in the trash when they are done. Additionally, the amount of paper cups, plates, and utensils that are used in an office and then thrown away is even worse. This is something that employees need to do. Stop wasting so much paper! The majority of the documentation that you are reading can be read online. There are many ways to store data without having to print a hardcopy. You don’t need paper lying around that is just collecting dust.

4. Turn Off and Unplug Electronics – Many people leave their computers, printers, scanners, faxes, etc. running at all times at the office. It does not hurt if you turn them off and unplug them before you leave the office. You save energy, which in turn helps the Earth. Another great way to save energy is by buying electronics that have the ENERGY STAR label. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it can save up to as much as 90% savings for some electronics.

5. Encourage Employees to Volunteer in Helping the Earth – Find ways to have your employees volunteer by partnering with groups that have environmentally-friendly activities, such as recycling, cleaning the environment, biking to work, etc. If you get your employees involved, they might be more receptive in being accountable for their actions around the office.

If we work together, we can start helping the environment.

Transition from Working Mom to Freelance Writing Mom

Panama Trip 2009, originally uploaded by dreamingindc.

When the kids and I were heading to the field trip, I told them that at the end of July, I would be working from home full time. I explained that we had to change the way we spend money, and be mindful of each other’s time. They seemed to kind of understand what I was saying, but I know that it’s something that I will have to discuss when it gets closer to that time.

I know that this isn’t just a transition for me, but for the kids as well. It’s going to definitely be a learning experience for the three of us. They are going to learn that when mommy is working, no one can bother her. The only time that they can is if the house is burning down.

My son is pretty self sufficient, but my daughter isn’t. This separation anxiety that she has, where she freaks out if I am not around, is not going to be possible any more. She is going to learn to do her own thing and not depend so much on me. For me, I will need to learn to work through the distractions. When I am writing, I can’t start doing ten things at once. It will be hard, but I know that I can do it.

Yesterday, I turned down a high-paying job that lacked the flexibility and didn’t offer any telecommuting options.  I want to continue to have the ability to attend their school events, and be there when they need me.  I know this is a great move because it doesn’t seem like I will be able to find the flexibility that I need, unless I work for myself.