7. Tools and Technology Make a Big Difference

Interestingly, technology isn't a barrier when it comes to telecommuting. In fact, it's what enables employees to work from home (except, of course, when the network or servers go down). Anyone with an Internet connection (and sometimes a VPN) can get the work done. But if you want your remote workers to succeed, you have to provide them with the tools they need, and you have to make sure they're fully integrated into enterprise workflows.

The minimal tool set for remote workers includes:

• a good office phone with a voice-mail system capable of forwarding incoming calls from desk to home office
• a reliable and fast Internet connection
• VPN access to the corporate network
• an intranet that gives access to the information needed for daily job functions
• teleconferencing tools
• presentation-sharing tools
• applications that work remotely
• an instant-messaging (IM) client on which the team standardizes

IM is a particularly useful tool for remote workers and their managers. It helps telecommuters stay connected to the office and their peers. It also enables others to "see" the remote employee at work via an IM screen. The other advantage of IM is that it enables part-time employees to be available more often, so employers of those part-time workers can potentially get more out of their part-time staff. (And as a long-time telecommuter myself, I suggest you include on that equipment list a good office chair and perhaps even a Webcam.)

When you set up the VPN and other company software, be sure that it works with more than Windows. Even if your company is a Microsoft shop, telecommuters — especially those who are required to use their own computers — will employ whichever operating system they personally prefer. This may require that the company purchase additional VPN licences to support, say, Mac OS X.