Telecommuting doesn't work for everyone

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Dear Joan:
After going to an office for 14 years, having a home-based office as a telecommuter has sure been an adjustment. Have people ever commented to you about any of the following home-based issues?

§      The perception/stigma that you don’t work as hard because you work at home i.e. you don’t have a "real job."

§      The productivity requirement of working at home versus working at an office. At many offices, being there is just good enough. For example, you have days where you get nothing done. In a home office, you have to always be producing something, otherwise you’re assumed to be off on personal leave time. No easy Friday’s or slower days before holidays. As strange as it sounds, some days you long to attend a mindless do-nothing meeting!

§      The family discipline required in being home-based. It’s relatively easy to blow off a talkative co-worker when you need to get something done, but try to do it gracefully with a spouse who just wants to talk.

§      In some respects, working at home is a much more disciplined and demanding work setting than just going to a factory or an office. What you avoid in politics and social issues, you offset with the isolation and productivity requirements. It’s not for everyone.

§      I couldn’t think of anything worse than being home office based and trying to care for kids or meet other obligations at the same time. You end up working 60-80 hours a week, due to starts and stops and distractions, to account for 40 hours. That is extremely tiring. It’s not sitting along the beach with your laptop, sipping on a Corona! When you see the 8-5’ers coming home at the end of the day and you’re still working due to distractions that day, it can be discouraging.

Although it’s been an adjustment, I feel like I’ve been able to telecommute successfully. These are things I’ve learned over the past three years. Perhaps you’ve heard them all before. As telecommuting grows in popularity, these are issues people must consider.

Answer:
Your letter is an insightful look at the reality of telecommuting. You’re right—it’s not for everyone. In fact, some companies now require potential telecommuters to fill out an extensive questionnaire to determine if they would be well suited for it. (One company found that 50 percent don’t make the cut.)

Here are some additional ideas for potential telecommuters:

§      For anyone who has made the decision to telecommute, it’s important to make a commitment to make it work for at least six months. At the end of that time, if you are starting to talk to an imaginary friend, it’s time to admit it isn’t for you. Ask for your office back again.

§      Although it can be lonely and discouraging, don’t call your pals at the office (or neighbors) to moan about how much you miss it. They won’t be amused, since many of them probably wish they could trade places.

§      Setting limits on interruptions can be a problem no matter where you work. It’s wise to have an office (not the kitchen table) with a door that closes. One idea is to post your daily schedule on the outside of the door, so your spouse knows when you don’t want to be interrupted. You might say, "I’d like to spend more time with you in the evenings, but I’m finding that interruptions during my day are causing me to work into the evening to make up for the time. I would like to stop working at 5, and with your help, I’ll be able to give you the quality time we both want."

§      Why not arrange to be in the office for staff meetings and other happenings? It will not only ease the loneliness, but can provide you with an opportunity to show your colleagues that you are producing valuable work. You might also consider getting involved in a professional organization or community events. It will stimulate you and keep you connected to other adults.

§      Occasionally, you need to ease off on the gas pedal. Once in a while, you need to quit a little early or go out for a long lunch. If you were going into the office everyday you wouldn’t feel guilty doing some of this. Telecommuters, who have a work ethic like yours, should let themselves off the hook occasionally.

§      Telecommuting should not be looked at as a way to cut childcare expenses. As you point out, the distractions aren’t fair to your company, to you or to your children. A friend of mine tried it. He justified the idea because he reasoned that the baby slept most of the time anyway. Anyone who has ever cared for an infant knows that experiment didn’t last.

§      Companies should not view telecommuting as a way to cut office expenses. Don’t jump on the bandwagon until you know it’s right for you.

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