Our First Flexwork Chat on Twitter
February 25, 2010 by Phil Montero · View Comments
On Wednesday, February 17th we had our first Flexwork Chat on Twitter. I was joined by Jasper
Westerway (@JasperWestaway), CEO of OneDrum, and Lokesh Datta (@LDatta) of AllCollaboration.com as well as a bunch of other great twitter folks who were eager to discuss and debate the current state and challenges of flexible work.
The discussion centered around some of the findings from One Drum’s recent flexible work study.
We discussed a number of topics including:
- How can flexible/remote working can make you more productive?
- What are some of barriers to productive remote working?
- What should businesses consider when choosing tools to facilitate remote working?
View this post on the One Drum blog for a summary of some of the key points and a full transcription is available in PDF form here (Thanks Chip!).
It was fun, exciting, and informative and we are planning to make this a fairly regular event. It looks like we will be doing one again next Wednesday so I hope you will join us!
What is a tweet chat?
For those of you unfamiliar with this online discussion format, a tweetchat is simply an organized group chat that takes place using the Twitter platform. Participants use an assigned hashtag (in our case #flexworkchat) for their tweets during the discussion. For more information on Tweet chats check out this short article.
You can follow along, or participate, by visiting http://tweetchat.com/room/flexworkchat or simply following the #flexworkchat hashtag on twitter.
If you want to know about upcoming chats (and other events) please subscribe to our email newsletter (on the right hand side of any page of this blog) or follow me on Twitter!
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 · View Comments
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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Work Outside Your Office – A shift in perspective
January 28, 2010 by Phil Montero · View Comments
Yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day in sunny Florida so I decided to work from the back patio rather than my home office as I usually do. It got me to thinking about how this is another example of what Jason and I are always talking about with regards to changing your workstyle – small adjustments that lead to big results. I recorded this short video to talk about it and encourage you to work from somewhere other than your usual workplace.
Please excuse the shaky camera work – I was holding the Flip camera instead of using a tripod as I wanted to be able to show you some of the surroundings. I’m still learning how to hold it steady when shooting myself (either that or maybe I should have had a little less coffee!)
So what is your favorite alternative place to work? Post a comment below and let us know!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (10.1MB)
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 · View 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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Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 8: Managing Expectation)
December 1, 2009 by Phil Montero · View Comments
Welcome to Part 8 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“.
In rolling out a telework program it’s critical to have realistic expectations for involvement and output. You need to have a clear idea of what success looks like so you will know when you have achieved it and have proper feedback channels in place so you can determine what areas might need more work or attention to fine tune your program. Don’t overlook the importance of training to help your people adjust to this shift in work and management style. You also want to make sure managers and teleworkers understand what is expected of them.
In part 8 of our podcast we will be discussing how to manage expectations and the importance of having clear measurable objectives, getting feedback, and providing training.
So listen in to Part 8: Managing Expectation
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 5:29 — 5.0MB)
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Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 7: Where Do We Start?)
November 13, 2009 by Phil Montero · View Comments
Welcome to Part 7 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 looking to roll out telework or flexwork in your organization it often helps to start with a pilot program. This can help you gather important feedback, make sure you have the right technology in place, and help you recognize any speed bumps that might arise when expanding your program throughout the rest of your company. The size of your company will dictate how formal and involved this process needs to be. However having some type of trial period is always a good way to start.
In part 7 of our podcast we look at steps for successful telework implementation and how to get started.
So listen in to Part 7: Where Do We Start?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:01 — 2.8MB)
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Telecommuting in the 21st Century: How to Implement or Improve Virtual Teams and Flexible Work in Your Organization (Part 6: The Ground Rules)
October 9, 2009 by Phil Montero · View Comments
Welcome to Part 6 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 shifting to telecommuting and flexible work it’s important to get your HR department involved and discuss how you will handle some standard questions and issues. For example – how will you choose teleworkers, who pays for equipment, and what kind of childcare is expected for employees working at home. By discussing this upfront and creating a telework agreement it clarifies a shared vision of what the flexible work arrangements will look like in your company.
In part 6 of our podcast we look at the ground rules for telework and give you an overview of some essentials to discuss with HR and your employees to make sure everyone is on the same page.
So listen in to Part 6: The Ground Rules
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 8:15 — 7.5MB)
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