Some companies combat the problem by publishing guidelines that specify just how quickly offsite employees are expected to respond to phone calls, e-mail and the like. Others don't get so formal but do try to remind quieter workers that they need to compensate for lost water-cooler moments. N.J. Remote Technology Oftentimes, managers say, technology can help the communication process along. Though videoconferencing and other high-end technologies are required sparingly, if at all, some teleworkers, like those at the Global Outsourcing Group at Unisys Corp., based in Bluebell, Pa., rely on teleconferencing services, which allow any employee to easily book ad hoc or regularly scheduled telephone meetings over the company's phone system. Some executives insist your management team is already in trouble if individuals have to adapt their management style to accommodate teleworkers.
Remote communication is a given today.
If you can't manage and work remotely, you're not going to be successful. Hoteling worker Deborah Bense, a program analyst with the IRS's information resources management office, says her manager had to change her style very little to accommodate remote workers. Management needs to trust their employees. My manager is very flexible. We talk or exchange e-mail every day, but she knows that if she asks me to do something it's going to get done.