TOPICS
TOPICS
Telework quiz results
Results for Employee Quiz
Mostly As: You're a telework champ! You understand how to focus, take initiative and respond to your supervisor's concerns regardless of where you are, and your projects can be completed outside the office. As soon as your department's policies are in place, go for it!
Mostly Bs: You might be a candidate for telework. Before you decide, evaluate potential distractions at home and ask your supervisor whether your work can move easily between the office and home. With a little planning, you should be telework-ready.
Mostly Cs: Working remotely right now might be wishful thinking. If toddlers or technology snafus will frustrate you at home, or you need your co-workers' camaraderie and support to stay on task, then stick to the office. Never say never, but be honest about which environment is best for your productivity.
Results for Manager Quiz
Mostly As: Teleworking is for you! You've done the legwork to put a program in place, and your managerial skills will help your employees move easily between work and home. You are consistent with your policies and mindful of what and how you communicate. Telework away!
Mostly Bs: You're almost ready for the telework trend. You have considered the logistics of implementing a telework program, and your managerial style can be adapted to work effectively with employees in and out of the office. But before you give them the go-ahead, tighten up department policies and procedures to ensure a smooth transition.
Mostly Cs: Hold up. Whether this is the first time you've heard of telework or the 100th, you should consider carefully whether it is right for your staff. Research the Office of Personnel Management's telework guidance to learn how to get the ball rolling. But first, ask yourself: Will I be able to manage my team more or less effectively if many of them are working outside the office?
COMMENTS
- Generally, I think many of the policies that FEMA has in place are employee friendly, however the "one year of employment" rule for telework is not one of them. Many of the employees coming to FEMA come from a background of accomplishment and are self-directed and goal driven. To require one year of service is to say the "we're not sure you'll do what is required, so we have to watch you for a year". I believe this is the wrong way to go about earning an employees trust and committment. Supervisors have the knowledge of the "big picture" and know what needs to be accomplished. By sample monitoring, a supervisor should be able to see if the employee is providing a satisfactory amount and quality of work. Robert Bollinger Posted November 12, 2009 8:05 AM
- Why doesn't this address the micro-managers who think they have to see the employee and forbid all telework as a reflex because they feel it usurps their authority? Charlie Posted November 12, 2009 7:48 AM
