Telecommuting (in gig economy): Working remotely, typically from home, using digital tools for communication.
Telecommuting
The practice of working remotely, often from the comfort of your home, while utilizing digital communication tools. It enables flexibility in the gig economy, allowing for a decentralized workforce.
What is Telecommuting
Telecommuting is the ability to work outside of a traditional office setting, primarily from home or any other remote location. This model became increasingly popular due to technological advancements and the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed many companies and employees to adopt remote work policies.
For instance, a customer service representative might handle calls from their kitchen table instead of a corporate office. They use software like Slack or Zoom to communicate with team members. It’s not merely about working from anywhere; it’s about maintaining productivity and collaboration remotely.
Many traditional roles can convert to telecommuting, such as IT supporters or marketing teams. However, jobs that rely heavily on face-to-face interactions, like certain healthcare roles, may not be suitable for telecommuting. It encompasses flexibility in hours, enabling parents to juggle school pickups without worrying about being ‘seen’ at a desk nine to five. Successful telecommuting hinges on discipline, effective digital communication, and a reliable home office setup.
Best practices
First, establish designated workspaces to minimize distractions—your bed may seem cozy, but it can kill productivity. Second, embrace technology; tools like project management apps can bridge the gap between remote teams. Third, maintain clear boundaries with your time; communicating availability to colleagues can help manage expectations and keep work-life balance intact.
Common pitfalls
Avoid the trap of over-communication; constant emails can hinder productivity and exhaust team members. Secondly, don’t isolate yourself; regular check-ins foster team connectivity and combat feelings of separation. Lastly, beware of blurring work and personal life; without defined work hours, burnout can creep in quickly.
How we can help
Our workforce management app facilitates self-scheduling and team communications for deskless staff. If you’re managing a telecommuting team that still needs to distribute shifts and tasks, check out Zelos Team Management. Sign up for a free account on our website and give it a spin.