Managers need to establish explicit ground rules on what is expected, including work hours and on-call availability. Not all jobs are suitable for telecommuting. Electronic mail and voice mail do not communicate nuances and subtleties well. In both cases, technology is coming up with innovations every day, such as inexpensive two-way video. Managers need to reevaluate periodically whether telecommuting has become a viable option.
Telecommuting also raises issues of fairness.
In some offices, the jobs most suitable to telecommuting are those done by individuals who work independently. That tends to leave lower-level support staff at the office holding down the fort, which can lead to resentment. There are no simple solutions, but care must be taken not to polarize the workforce. Building and maintaining office culture and values is more difficult. Those who work at home often complain that they miss the conversation around the coffee pot at the office.