Managing TeleWorkers: Coming to Grips with Remote Control

Managers pay lip service to supporting flexible work practices. But statistics discredit claims that they're all cool about staffers working from home. A recent Australian study showed while 24% of Australian organisations said they allowed teleworking, only 6% of employees actually work offsite. It seems not being able to see who's at work brings out managers' fears about remote control, that's despite mounting evidence that teleworking increases productivity and boosts bottom lines. Enjoying its benefits requires a shift in management style and policies for communication. And, while being gung-ho about the upside, there's also the issue that not everyone wants to work far and away.