Establishing parameters

Successful telework initiatives have clearly stated objectives and are designed to overcome any challenges that might arise.

Together, these key objectives and challenges make up the ‘parameters’ of a telework arrangement. Knowing the parameters in advance can help answer many of the questions that come up in preparing a telework policy, telework guidelines and other documents.

The two or three key objectives need to be identified. Examples could include staff retention, cost saving, space reduction or better flexibility. It is a good idea to list them in order of importance.

It is also a good idea to identify all the additional benefits that your telework initiative could deliver. Although some will be key objectives, others could include: staff retention, recruitment and training; lower absenteeism; staff productivity, improved staff morale, better utilisation of high-capital items such as network servers; property savings; commute savings; improved public relations; better competitive edge; greater efficiency; work place flexibility etc.

Finally, identify the potential challenges that need to be considered (and minimised). These issues will need to be addressed in your organisation’s telework guidelines and during the implementation process.

A steering committee should work together to develop the parameters of a telework initiative. Once the parameters have been identified they could be used as the base for a presentation to senior management, if necessary.