At Merrill Lynch, prospective telecommuters submit a detailed proposal that covers when and how they're going to work at home - and even what their new office will look like. Then they participate in a series of meetings with their manager and with Manfredonia's group. Finally, they spend two weeks in a simulation lab. Four lessons stand out. You're out of the office - don't be out of the loop.
Informal relationships can be more important than formal assignments.
That's why Merrill Lynch requires most of its telecommuters to spend at least one day a week in the office. You have to stay connected with them. Be sure to go in when there's something special happening, whether it's a key meeting or a colleague's birthday party. But don't just visit the office to swap gossip. Use your time there to help your coworkers understand how you spend your time at home.