The state’s largest employers’ association talks with telecommuting expert Brandon Dempsey on how companies can avoid critical mistakes when managing virtual employees
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Raleigh, N.C. - In a time of rising gas prices and advanced communications technology, an increasing number of companies are turning to telecommuting as an affordable way to maximize talent retention and offer employees a desirable perk. Yet, many companies lack the knowledge to implement a remote work and telecommuting program that’s successful. The largest employers’ association in North Carolina, Capital Associated Industries, Inc. (CAI) spoke to telecommuting expert Brandon Dempsey on the most common mistakes employers make when implementing a telecommuting program and managing virtual employees.
Dempsey says it’s important for companies to know they can likely implement a telecommuting program with their current infrastructure, but sound policies and procedures are critical to any program’s success.
Below are five of the most common mistakes Dempsey says companies make when they implement a remote work and telecommuting program:
1) Lack concrete policies and procedures.
Dempsey recommends companies should take the time to lay down the process of telecommuting at their company, which can vary greatly. Dempsey says companies often go to Google and search for policy samples, but he warns there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ policy and by taking this approach legal implications could arise down the road.
2) Overinvest in technology.
Companies shouldn’t rush out to buy the latest technology for their remote work and telecommuting program. Dempsey encourages businesses to look carefully at the jobs their virtual employees will perform and to buy the technology that makes sense for those jobs. Companies can often use their existing IT infrastructure without buying any new software or hardware.
3) Fail to train managers.
Managing someone from afar requires a different set of management skills, especially concerning communication timing. Dempsey recommends companies train managers who will be overseeing virtual employees to help them learn the techniques they need to effectively manage at a distance.
4) Miss the implementation strategy.
Whenever a company embarks on a remote work and telecommuting program, Dempsey suggests they first explore whether this type of initiative fits their business model. Companies should map out their business drivers and define the goals they want to achieve by implementing a virtual work option before implementing a telecommuting program.
5) Overlook a pilot program.
Dempsey recommends companies embarking on a telecommuting program first test the initiative. Instead of allowing 100 staff to telecommute, try a pilot program first and deploy 10 or 15 employees. After all the policies and procedures are in place, then Dempsey suggests taking the initiative far and wide.
Brandon Dempsey will be a guest speaker at the upcoming CAI program, Establishing and Managing a Remote Workforce, on October 1 in Raleigh. To register, visit: http://www.capital.org
Brandon Dempsey is vice-president of Suite Commute, LLC, a privately-held group dedicated to helping companies succeed in telecommuting and remote work initiatives. Dempsey is a nationally renowned speaker on remote work and telecommuting and has helped hundreds of companies strengthen their virtual employee policies and procedures. In 2005, he launched a two and a half year research study on how remote work and telecommuting affect companies and uncovered many of the benefits and pitfalls encountered during this undertaking.
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About CAI, Inc.
CAI is a non-profit employers’ association founded in 1963 and serves the greater Research Triangle, Piedmont Triad, and 65 central and eastern counties in North Carolina. With offices in Raleigh and Greensboro, CAI provides 1,200 member companies with management information, day-to-day telephone guidance, and training and human resources services.
To learn more about CAI, visit: http://www.capital.org
Website Link: http://www.capital.org | 
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