How to keep 'work from home' employees accountable—without spying

April 01, 2013

I’ve been a part-time, work-from-home employee for years now. And yes, I do work. A lot. Still, I hear whispers from coworkers who wonder if I’m just avoiding a commute to spend quality time with my laundry. And then there are the moms I meet at the park on my day off—the ones who say they love “working from home” (complete with air quotes) because it “gives me so much free time.” They’re giving me a bad name. But my bigger concern is whether my boss knows how much work I’m doing. Working from home. Working remotely. Telecommuting. No matter what you call it, working from anywhere other than your company’s office has gotten a bad rap lately. With Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer instituting a ban on the practice, and Best Buy setting strict limits on its work-from-home policy, the news has been negative for both managers and employees who rely on the flexibility that telecommuting can offer. Telecommuters and the bosses who employ us, take heart. Today, telecommuting is easier than ever, thanks in large part to a host of free and low-cost products that can help keep remote employees productive, accountable, and in touch. Most of the tools are so cost-effective and easy to use that even the smallest of small businesses can rely on them. To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Link: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2032004/how-to-keep-work-from-home-employees-accountable-without-spying.html#tk.rss_all