Beware of Backlash

I l @ ve RuBoard

Prejudices about the home office still linger. Nowhere is this more visible than in teleworking situations where one employee may be allowed to work from home and someone two cubicles over is not given the same privilege or opportunity. Backlash and resentment can rear their ugly heads.

To avoid this, use some common sense and courtesy , and a little extra energy:

  • Be readily available. Your coworker in the next cubicle is less likely to seethe that you must be working on your golf swing and not at your desk if you are fully attentive and available. Answer the phone promptly. Have your professional voice mail. Answer e- mails as quickly and efficiently ”or more so ”than if you were in the office.

  • Until everyone gets used to the idea, if you are a trailblazer , be extra conscientious . Post your telework hours in a prominent spot in your cubicle or office so that people don't leave interoffice mail or something needing your signature immediately and don't realize you're at home and it would be more efficient to route to someone else first.

  • Deliver what you promise. If you said working from home would make you more efficient, strive to be so. Turn in projects early.

  • Don't complain about the home office being lonely or boring. Sure it is sometimes. But the worker in the next department who desperately wants to be home to cut down on his commute and was denied a telework opportunity isn't going to appreciate hearing about your "woes."

  • Don't brag either. While you should strive to be positive about the advantages of teleworking, don't stand around and rave about how wonderful it is to avoid rush hour and to be able to hug your kids or hit the tennis court right at five.

I l @ ve RuBoard


The 60-Second Commute. A Guide to Your 24.7 Home Office Life
The 60-Second Commute: A Guide to Your 24/7 Home Office Life
ISBN: 013130321X
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 155

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