Do You Know the Secrets for Getting Approval to Telecommute? Free Webinar & Interview
September 2, 2011 by Phil Montero · 2 Comments
I had the pleasure of recently interviewing Pat Katepoo – a flexible work advisor and the founder of WorkOptions.com. Pat is the developer of a series of Flexible Work Proposal Packages which have equipped thousands of professionals to negotiate the flexible work arrangement they want.
On September 13, she’s presenting a free webinar called Telecommute Now! How to Get Fast Approval to Work from Home where she will be sharing secrets for the easiest way to ask for a flexible work arrangement and get your managers to say YES.
In our short interview Pat and I talk about:
- the importance of knowing how to negotiate the flexible work arrangement you want and how to ask with confidence.
- the different shapes and sizes of flexible work: including telecommuting, compressed workweek, part-time, and job sharing.
- the three-ingredient formula that gets managers to agree to a telework request — even where there are barriers. She also reveals a preview of two barriers that keep people from asking for a flexible work arrangement.
Listen to this 15 minute interview to learn more:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 14:50 — 13.6MB)
Pat’s expert advice on flexible work has been featured in several national publications including The Wall Street Journal, US News & World Report, and also on NBC Nightly News. I’ve been following Pat’s work in this space for the last 15 years and we first spoke many years ago when I was working on my book – Lose Your Commute. Read more
Small Business Tips for Disaster Preparedness from The Anywhere Office
August 25, 2011 by Phil Montero · 9 Comments
With our first named storm bearing down this season (Hurricane Irene) and a recent earthquake in the Washington, DC area it’s the yearly wake-up call for small businesses to start thinking about business continuity and disaster preparedness. I prefer to talk about it from this perspective, ‘continuity’ and ‘preparedness’, rather than “disaster recovery”. With a smart, flexible business structure in place, hopefully you won’t need much recovery. Instead, you are fluid and can simply roll with whatever comes along. If you work in The Anywhere Office – you’re mobile and can communicate and collaborate across time and distance. You can work where and when you need to – just like you do every day.
Not quite there yet? That’s OK – you’re not alone – and we’ve got you covered!
Below are some useful disaster preparedness resources including websites, an episode of our radio show, a free business continuity teleseminar, and some recommended tools to help you weather any storm.
AUDIO (Radio Show Archive):
Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail (Business Continuity in the Changing World of Work)
There are many potential obstacles that can interrupt a company’s ability to do business as usual: inclement weather, natural disasters, special events, transit strikes, and skyrocketing transportation costs just to name a few. In this episode from our radio show archive we took a look at the differences between business continuity and disaster recovery as well as some strategies and technology to help you and your organization prepare. Jason and I talk with Brian Donahoo of Citrix Online, makers of GoToMyPC and GoToMeeting, to explore how aspects of the digital lifestyle can address and overcome these obstacles. As the Zen proverb says . . . The obstacle is the path.
FREE TELESEMINAR:
Riding the Storm Out (Tips to develop a business continuity plan)
Consider this, almost 40% of small businesses that close due to a disaster event never re-open.
What would you do if the building your business is located within was damaged or destroyed in a disaster? Where would you go to continue providing your business services? Would you have the resources, databases, contact information and other necessary items to adapt to these changes? Read more
Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 13: Q&A)
March 29, 2010 by Phil Montero · 1 Comment
Welcome to Part 13 – the final part of our 13 part audio series on Flexible Work and Telecommuting - Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization“.
Today, in part 13 (the final part) of our telework podcast series our panel of experts answer any remaining questions from those who attended the teleseminar on how to start an effective telework program.
So listen in to Part 13: Q&A
Armed with the ideas, tips, and best practices we shared over the 13 sessions you can develop a telework plan that will dynamically change where and how you and your people work. We wish you the utmost success in embracing telework in your organization and enjoying all the benefits it has to offer!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 14:19 — 13.1MB)
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Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 12: Next Steps)
March 27, 2010 by Phil Montero · 5 Comments
Welcome to Part 12 of our 13 part audio series on Flexible Work and Telecommuting - Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization“.
After discussing some of the various issues over the past 12 parts of this podcast today we will be discussing how to take the important “next steps” to get the ball rolling and implement telecommuting in your organization.
In part 12 of our podcast we look at the “next steps” to moving forward with you telework plan.
So listen in to Part 12: Next Steps
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:29 — 4.1MB)
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Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 11: Legal, HR, and Tax Issues)
March 22, 2010 by Phil Montero · 1 Comment
Welcome to Part 11 of our 13 part audio series on Flexible Work and Telecommuting - Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization“.
When approaching telework it’s important to look at some of the key business issues and consult the right professionals before jumping in. Today we will be discussing some of the Legal, HR, and Tax implication regarding telework.
In part 11 of our podcast we look at some of the considerations and planning involved for the business side of telecommuting.
So listen in to Part 11: Legal, HR, and Tax Issues
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:16 — 3.0MB)
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Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 10: Keeping at home workers safe)
February 11, 2010 by Phil Montero · Leave a Comment
Welcome to Part 10 of our 13 part audio series on Flexible Work and Telecommuting - Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization“.
When implementing telework many managers and HR departments are concerned about how to ensure workers health and safety are protected adequately, outside of the normal office environment. When working from a home office it is really a shared obligation. While companies have a responsibility for their employees safety while “at work” employees are also responsible for maintaining a safe home environment.
In part 10 of our podcast we look at some of the considerations and planning involved to ensure safety and reduce risk for your telecommuters.
So listen in to Part 10: Keeping at home workers safe
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:25 — 4.0MB)
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Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 9: Security and Confidentiality)
January 21, 2010 by Phil Montero · 2 Comments
Welcome to Part 9 of our 13 part audio series on Flexible Work and Telecommuting - Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization“.
One common concern when allowing people to work from home, or anywhere outside the office, is the security of company data. With more people using laptops, smartphones, and other portable computing devices company data is often used and accessed from multiple locations. While security should certainly be a concern when setting up a telework program – don’t let fear prevent you from taking advantage of all the flexibility this way of working has to offer. With proper planning and forethought you can have the technology and policies in place to ensure your people can work from anywhere while still keeping your company data secure.
In part 9 of our podcast we’ll be discussing security and confidentiality while looking at how to keep your data safe when people are working from remote locations.
So listen in to Part 9: Security and Confidentiality
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:55 — 3.6MB)
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