The first lesson home workers need to learn is that they have to get real. Those who have tried to put in a fully productive day with a toddler at home know better. Telecommuters must be trained to realize that the same rules that apply to them at work must apply when they telecommute. Telecommuting is a win-win situation. Employers win because productivity improves.
Employees win because they can devote commuting time saved to fulfilling family responsibilities.
What individuals and companies have to remember if it is going to be successful is that there are many different types of telecommuting situations. The important thing is to choose the right type of situation for the right type of person. A recent SNET study showed that telecommuting tends to work best when used once or twice a week, with three or four days spent in the office setting. Some workers may be able to telecommute virtually every work day. Most, says Marro, will work best if they divide their time between home and office.