From Susan M. Heathfield,
Your Guide to Human Resources.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Definition:

Telecommuting or working from home is a flexible work arrangement that enables an employee, a consultant, or a contractor, to work distantly from the employer's location all or part of the time. Telecommuting is also an option for bad weather days and days that require an adult present in the home for events such as furniture delivery days, furnace cleaning days, and mid-day doctor appointments.

Telecommuting can be challenging, depending upon the employee. Some employees separate work and personal lives successfully; others may require the separation a work location offers. Sometimes, only allowing the employee to telecommute for a time will answer this question, but generally, independent, self-starters will succeed while telecommuting.

Managing telecommuting employees requires additional thought about staying in touch. Managing telecommuting employees requires a results-oriented management style that flows from . Managers are generally comfortable providing telecommuting jobs as an option when the results from the job are highly measurable, too.

Technology has enabled a whole new generation of telecommuting jobs. Make certain the employee's distant location has the technology necessary for successful telecommuting.

Submit a policy for the Sample Policy Directory.

Visit the complete Sample Policy Directory.

How to Develop and Write a Policy.

Also Known As: telework, working from home (WFH), working at home (WAH), e-commuting, e-work