Distributed Work Done Right

Recently, several articles, including a report on ABC News and a BusinessWeek cover story, have profiled one of the more innovative distributed work and management strategies I have been privy to. Best Buy, one of the leading consumer electronics stores in the United States, has implemented a strategy that they are calling ROWE, or “results-only work environment.”

The company has removed the emphasis on a 9 to 5 workday in the office and instead is focusing purely on their employees’ results. If the employee chooses to work from home, the supermarket or even the beach, it does not matter, as long as the work is accomplished and the results are satisfactory.

While not a standard telework practice, ROWE is an excellent example of how more companies should structure not only their distributed work plans, but also their management strategies. By focusing on what really matters – results – organizations can cut excess costs, improve employee morale and relieve much of the stress placed on management for status and reports.

Even though ROWE is more of a management style as opposed to a true telework strategy, Best Buy sets an excellent example for other companies looking to establish not only an effective distributed work strategy, but also a major shift in management throughout. It will require a significant turnaround in current corporate styles, but it looks like ROWE may be the future for large corporations. I applaud Best Buy for its leadership in the development of such an innovative and brave approach.

Rita Mace Walston, General Manager, The Telework Consortium

Assessment Program Launches

The National Technology Readiness Survey released a report last week stating that although 25% of its respondents were employed in supportive telework environments, only 11% of its respondents elected to work remotely. The Telework Consortium believes that before any organization can practice telework successfully, it must first assess the corporate infrastructure and landscape. As such, we are now offering formal assessments on the viability of telework programs for both the public and private sector. The customized assessments benefit companies who plan to implement telework policies by providing them with detailed analysis on the viability of actually having telework programs in place BEFORE they launch them, thereby saving time and money.  The press release announcing our assessment program follows:

TELEWORK CONSORTIUM LAUNCHES ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
Companies/Agencies Assess Viability of Telecommuting Initiatives Prior to Implementation

HERNDON, Va. – July 20, 2006 – The Telework Consortium Inc., an organization to discover, evaluate and demonstrate software, hardware and services to enable remote work and collaboration, is now offering formal assessments on the viability of telework programs for both the public and private sector. The customized assessments benefit companies planning to implement telework policies by providing detailed analysis on the viability of distributed work initiatives before they commence, thereby saving time and money.During a formal assessment, the Telework Consortium will meet with key company stakeholders to evaluate current workflow, work culture, information technology infrastructure, and human resource (HR) policies. Following the on-site sessions with IT personnel, HR execs, managers, and employees, the Consortium will provide an analysis of the current landscape and provide recommendations for implementing and shepherding a successful Telework program. Fundamental components that will be evaluated include: 

• Hardware and IT Infrastructure
• IT Security and Network Policies
• Remote Connectivity and Support
• Software
• Workflow
• Work Culture
• Human Resource Policies

 “Distributed work programs aim to enhance economic development opportunities, address continuity of operations concerns in the event of a natural or manmade disruption, reduce road congestion and costs, increase productivity and promote a healthy work/life balance,” said William Mularie, Ph.D., chief executive officer, Telework Consortium. “Before any organization partakes in the practice of telework, also known as telecommuting, it’s essential to first assess the corporate infrastructure and landscape, so that mobile workforce initiatives will be successful. After the assessments are complete, the Telework Consortium is well positioned to take companies to the next level and work ‘hand-in-hand’ to launch and shepherd a formal telework program.” To learn how to apply for an assessment, visit www.teleworkconsortium.org.# # #