He gets data from the network, does his drawings, sends completed projects to the bureau's plotter for printing, and sends and receives coworkers' e-mail. Mike Murray, CADD manager for the bureau, says it's easy to quantify his employees' productivity, whether they're at their bureau desk or their home office. Because I've done this job myself, I know how long it takes to draft a set of plans. Jim gets the work done when it needs to be done. Murray sees telecommuting as a way managers can support and encourage their employees.
Production depends on the person's commitment to their work.
One way to foster the commitment is to assign the work and let them go for it. Let them take work home and they realize they're being trusted and as a result they have a better work product. Dave Nunamaker, an Environmental Services engineering associate, designs the storm and sanitary sewer systems that Carlton drafts plans for. Nunamaker usually sends Carlton the designs and redline plans by mail. If there's not time for delivery, Nunamaker takes them to Carlton's house.