More Americans are using remote work arrangements, such as working from a home office these days, while survey data shows support either arguments—that these arrangements are more productive or they are productivity killers.
Telecommuting has long been a staple in the mortgage loan sales arena, especially for net branching companies.
A survey of chief financial officers conducted by Accountemps, Menlo Park, Calif., found that 33% said their companies increased the use of remote work arrangements, while 11% said the company decreased or did not have such arrangements.
Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps, said for those jobs that are suited to remote work arrangements, "this option can help give professionals more control over their schedules and aid in recruitment and retention efforts."
But, he added, employers need to set clear policies and establish specific productivity goals.
Otherwise, you have what a survey from CareerBuilder found: 17% of telecommuters spend one hour or less per day on work.
On the other hand, 35% spend eight or more hours per day doing work related tasks. A plurality of respondents, 40%, works between four and seven hours per day. Respondents included both those who work in a remote arrangement full time and those that do so only part of the time.
Rosemary Haefner, CareerBuilder vice president of human resources, stated "to avoid situations where telecommuters aren't putting in the necessary time, managers need to be clear about expectations and establish daily objectives. The autonomy of working from home can be very rewarding so long as it doesn't diminish productivity."
From the telecommuter point of view, 37% feel they are more productive at their office, while 29% said they are more productive at home.
Haefner had some suggestions for telecommuters: follow a normal morning routine; find the least distracting place in your home to work; stay connected to colleagues; plan your breaks; and even take your work to a coffee shop or library to be around other people.
From the employer point of view, Accountemps said it is important to keep remote workers in the loop about company and department news and don't just rely on email to do so. Also make sure these remote workers feel connected to the group, include them in team activities and recognize their accomplishments in front of their colleagues.
