2012: The rise of the virtual workforce

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Adam Arthur on January 25, 2012 at 11:11am

To me, it can only be positive. The majority (certainly not all) of the jobs in federal and state government wouldn't require in-person office attendance. The real problem (or fear) is the perceived notion of "lack of job accountability". In reality, the right technology would make accountability even better and performance more measurable. 

Please see my post on Focus.com relating to the real possibilities of implementing "Virtual Offices".   

Permalink Reply by Terrence (Terry) Hill on January 26, 2012 at 7:36am

I'm excited about the potential of a virtual workforce!  I think that you have hit on the major impediment Adam.  Virtual workers (like me) have to prove their worth to the organization.  Being virtual makes you work that much harder to be noticed and seen as a linchpin for the organization.  Based on my personal experience, I envision enhanced job accountability, as long as the tools are in place to place a value on results. 

When I think about the savings in real estate and carbon emissions, let alone the opportunity to enhance my interactions with customers by using new venues like Google+ Hangouts to collaborate with others, the possibilities seem to be within reach.  We just need to let go of our old habits and grab hold of the future.

Permalink Reply by Adam Arthur on January 26, 2012 at 2:50pm

Agreed! I'm glad you would embrace this initiative.

Permalink Reply by GovLoop on January 25, 2012 at 1:54pm

Some real implications also in terms of:

-Job postings - would be awesome to show what jobs are teleworking or virtual working friendly

-Technology - making sure all computers have video cameras and access to skype/google+ and other videoconferencing tools
-Travel - even when you have a virtual workforce, it still is nice to bring them together once in awhile.  Make sure there is budget set aside for this.

Permalink Reply by Corey McCarren on January 25, 2012 at 4:10pm

My views on this are very mixed. On one hand telecommuting has allowed me to have more than one income, but at the same time I used to work at the other company in-office and now I feel slightly disconnected. I prefer home to be home and work to be work, when the two start combining it can be confusing and make home less comfortable.

At the same time, occasionally being able to do your job from home can be great. If I have a short doctors appointment in NYC but live on the east end of Long Island and still want to work, now I can, even at off hours.

Permalink Reply by Adam Arthur on January 26, 2012 at 7:29am

I understand that. There have many studies conducted on the psychology of separating an official "office space" in your home to trick yourself that you really are in the office - you can't be too comfortable in your home when teleworking. Never sit on the couch. Pick a chair equal to the one you use at your work office. It's best to find a place in a corner of a room, away from all distractions, (no TV nearby, make the kitchen and bathroom as far away from you as possible, etc.).

It is also important for physical health and mental concentration to take regular breaks – even if just for a quick stretch. If you walk down the hall to get a cup of coffee for 10 minutes at work, do the same at home. Try to maintain the exact patterns.

If you can afford it, have your children looked after by your parents or a sitter. Your pets, (dogs, cats, birds, etc.) can be as needy, loud, and distracting as young children (many a teleworker can cite a story or two about their dog having a barking rant seconds after they dial into a conference call with their boss or other important business associate), so do what you would normally do with them if you were going to the office.

I think you can see, I'm suggesting that you make your home as much like your work office as you can. Try these tips and see if it doesn't improve your confusion. 

Permalink Reply by Henry Brown on January 26, 2012 at 7:52am

Yes the perceived loss of control is important, but I believe that the mindset, of which is present entirely too much, "I, the supervisor, am going to have to expend more effort to make the telework/rowe enviornment work" they add additional excuses why they are going to have to expend more effort, and wrapping it up they complain about not having the time to expend this effort.

Permalink Reply by Adam Arthur on January 26, 2012 at 2:52pm

Unfortunatly, that does happen. Hopefully, if I can get the Virtual Offices thing off of the ground, they won't have that excuse anymore.