Re: Re. Telecommuting

[Kent Drummond <Kent_Drummond -at- CCMAIL -dot- BMC -dot- COM>]

     Mr. Geoff Hart says:
     "I'd also be interested in telecommuting, but to
     keep this on topic for the list, let's look at it
     from the following standpoints:

     1. How do you write (or edit) in a telecommuting
     environment?"

     Reply: IMHO, it's easy. Your company provides you
     with a computer and software for your home.

     "2. How often do you have to "drive in" to work to
     touch base with colleagues?"

     Reply: Going to work depends on your work and
     deadlines, doesn't it? I have meetings one day a
     week, but the remainder of the time, I decide when
     to stay home and when to come to the office.

     "3. How can you implement a telecommuting program
     in a company (like mine) that doesn't have such a
     program?"

     Reply: IMHO, you need to get an executive
     interested. For example, companies in Texas were
     given a mandate in cities like Houston to reduce
     the number of employee trips to cut down on air
     pollution. Telecommuting was an option. We still
     had to write a justification to our bosses. Some
     people cannot telecommute because of the nature
     of their work with customers. Writers are
     probably the best candidates, because their work
     involves a lot of time in front of the computer.
     Suggestion: Write a proposal to do a prototype
     telecommute (three months) and demonstrate the
     efficiencies and productivity from the effort.

     "4. What are the main "gotchas" from the
     standpoint of writing and editing? (As opposed to
     gotchas like no watercooler gossip, missing the
     company picnic, etc.)"

     Reply: IMHO, you need to keep in touch with your
     internal clients and bosses. Check your voice mail
     and e-mail frequently throughout the day (two or
     three times). Keep your telecommuting low key,
     because there may be some people who will be very
     jealous of your situation. Finally, check off the
     number of times you take breaks or go to the
     refrigerator. You may want to go to work to avoid
     the temptations. You have to be disciplined, but I
     believe that's why writers are good candidates.
     You are focused and can concentrate for long
     periods of time on your work. There's so much to
     do: drafting, proofing, rewriting, editing,
     printing and repeating it over and over.

     Regards,

     Kent