News & Events

By Patty Hampton, CSP, Managing Director

The weather outside is frightful and the snow is so delightful, but another 16 inches of white power has many Washingtonians, Marylanders, and Virginians working from home. Being snowed in this week has me thinking about why so many of us still do not telework or have some sort of work-from-home program instituted in our workplace.

According to Wikipedia, more than 50 million U.S. workers could work from home at least part of the time. The snow storm that has crippled the Washington, DC Metro Area since last Friday certainly indicates that many more of us could possibly work from home. So, why aren’t we? What is holding back your employer from implementing some form of telework or work-from-home program? Could it be that the “eyes in the sky” don’t trust us? Could it be that there is a certain amount of comfort knowing that we are down the hall, around the corner, or sitting in a cubicle?

All these questions deserve to be explored, but let’s start by examining the pros and cons of a telework or work-from-home arrangement. By working from home we can:

• Improve our health (e.g. reduce stress)
• Maximize performance
• Control our time for maximum efficiency
• Put the finishing touches on a project and come in ahead of a deadline
• Help reduce traffic congestion
• Save money on transportation costs, parking, etc.
• Boost morale
• Experience a true work/life balance

All these benefits do not mean that every workplace, position or individual is capable of working from home and teleworking. A work from home arrangement may not be for you if:

• You lack the ability to concentrate.
• You are not good at policing your own progress and require constant supervision.
• You need office camaraderie.
• You are unable to separate work time from personal time.
• You lack a disciplined attitude and cannot exceed your employer’s expectations.
• Your home environment is not conducive for work.
• Your home office lacks the technological advances/devices to communicate effectively with management.
• You are naturally lazy.

Working from home is a no-brainer, especially when faced with unforeseen situations like a snow storm!  But teleworking or a work-from-home arrangement can only be effective if both the employee and employer have the right attitude. I challenge everyone to approach and implement a strategy that will not only benefit the organization, but one that will continue to serve and embrace your customers and constituents.