Telecommuting found to boost morale, cut stress

Access to broadband services likely to increase telecommuting, say researchers, who cite its "overall beneficial effect."

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[RalphWaldoELP]

The main mistake managers make

I have been telecommuting (mostly) for about 10 yrs. I've managed big P/Ls, oversaw a merger, started a business, sold a business, and have sold many millions in technology services while working from home, Starbucks, the car, etc. The worst two job experiences I have had (briefly) in that 10 years were both desk-based, one with a long commute, one without. Whether telecommuting works depends on the people and the job but it's obviously going to be a net benefit for all in a situation where it makes any kind of sense. Unlike the assumptions some 19th Century management theorist might make about motivation, white collar professionals will either work hard and smart because they are motivated people, or they won't. Makes little difference where they are or whether they are within eye- or earshot of a manager. Sales, consulting, writing, and other functions that are largely portable (or field based by design) can and should be dispersed to where the talent wants to be -- as long as the talent does its job. In my experience I and my colleagues probably put in more net time working without official 'hours' than we would with hours, and I recently commented (while tending to a minor family crisis midday without asking anyone permission to do so) to my wife that I don't know how office-bound workers actually get a lot of basic real-life-stuff done. It's good that "science" is catching up with common sense in this area, and slackers are slackers wherever they are (as are non-slackers, etc). Trying to make numbers in sales is stressful, arguably in a good way, but sitting on I95 for an hour breathing exhaust, or waiting for the office clock to hit 6:30 so you can punch out is stressful in a dumb way. Bottom line is the company, culture, and job role need to support remote work, but if they do, it's a win for all.

[spothannah]

Main Mistake

I couldn't agree with you more. I think many failed management strategies have more to do with the personality issues of the manager than with the "misinterpreted" frames of analysis they use. Authoritarian/heirarchical interpretations tend to result in a languishing ethos at best. Workers need to determine what their managers/company management style(s) is and then "get out ASAP" if they see the "wrting on the wall." It sounds like you did this successfully. Good for you!