I already work remotely from my home office, so I have the discpline to accomplish something without a boss lurking around, and I am used to using online email programs, sharing desktop applications over the internet, and generally being resourceful (i.e. cheap) to find ways to accomplish what I need to.
A telecommuting background is enormously helpful when one is away on vacation or business. You might argue that no one should be working while on vacation (with which I agree) but in today’s world it is usually necessary to at least check email. I find this is necessary just to avoid the deluge in my inbox upon returning (I find it incredibly stressful having to spend an entire day sorting through those emails to make sure I haven’t missed something of extreme importance).
I am on vacation this week but working a couple of hours in preparation for an upcoming workshop that I must coordinate when I return. If I wasn’t already used to finding wireless hotspots, handling almost all communications by email and, occasionally, cell phone, and comfortable working alone, I would have a great deal more stress about accomplishing what needs to be done so that all is in order when I get back.
If employers get their employees used to telecommuting and comfortable with accomplishing their tasks away from the office desk, it will be easier for employees to handle, quickly and effectively, emergencies that may come up when they are away.
Filed under: office tools, productivity, self-employed, telecommuting, telecommuting facts, work from home
Of course, for this to be successful, employers need to furnish employees with the necessary tools – laptops, smartphones, etc. Some companies seem good about this (mine is) … others not so much.
Happy vacation to you!