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Teleworking

Ever wonder why you have to work so hard to get to work?

More and more commuters are discovering a smarter way to work by teleworking. Rather than commuting to the office every day, they work at home, or at a shared workspace, at a coworking center, telework center, or from an employer’s satellite office one or more days a week. To learn more about how teleworking can improve your lifestyle while keeping your boss happy, please download our employee help-guide. This help-guide is designed to help individuals determine if telework is a suitable option for them, and, if so, how to introduce or expand a telework program within their organization. Topics include:

  • Telework Defined
  • What Telework is Not
  • Trends & Projections
  • Benefits
  • Is Teleworking for You?
  • Options
  • Equipment
  • Possible Distractions
  • Approaching Your Supervisor
  • Ready, Set, Go…
  • Successful Teleworking
  • What if You Get Turned Down?
  • Resources

The guide also includes a virtual tour of our Shared Workspaces/Coworking Spaces/Telework Centers, the services provided at the facility and related costs.

Download

DID YOU KNOW?
34% of the Washington metropolitan region’s workforce teleworks at least 1.2 days per week on average. Interested in Teleworking?

Best Practices

Communication

  • Do confer with your supervisor on organizing work for the telework days
  • Make sure that team members and supervisors have a clear idea of the day(s) you will be teleworking
  • Forward office phone to your home phone if possible
  • Keep your boss informed of the progress you are making as needed
  • Attend on-site or virtual essential department and group meetings
  • Respond to communications such as calls, emails, and texts
  • Inform family members and neighbors about when you may be interrupted

Productivity

  • Do select assignments and deliverable that can be performed remotely
  • Develop tasks and deliverables
  • Make sure you develop a routine for the telework days
  • Stick to all deadlines and keep your work organized
  • Do treat your telework day as you would a regular day in the office

Ergonomics & Safety

  • Have a dedicated workspace at home
  • Set up the workspace in an area that is safe and free from hazards
  • Do pay attention to the ergonomics of your dedicated workspace at home
  • Items to consider are desk height, chair, lighting, safety, electrical support, noise
  • Take breaks throughout the day
  • Have lunch away from your desk

What to Avoid

Habits

  • Don’t develop bad habits at home
  • Don’t start sleeping late on telework days
  • Don’t stay in your bedclothes all day
  • Don’t let pet or other noise impair your professional image, especially when you are talking on the phone

Productivity

  • Don’t forget that your employer is paying you to do your work during the agreed-upon hours
  • Don’t run errands for everybody in the neighborhood just because you are home
  • Don’t telework if you have an infant or an elderly person who requires your attention
  • Don’t answer personal calls during telework day
  • Don’t do household chores during telework day
  • Don’t visit personal social media web sites such as Facebook and Instagram, they are distracting
  • Don’t telework, if it is not working for you

Shared Workspaces

Communicate seamlessly with your office, colleagues, customers, and potential customers. These locations provide entrepreneurs, growing businesses, and established corporate teleworkers with a variety of settings. Features include workstations, high-speed internet, and other amenities which may consist of photocopiers, VoIP/telephony, meeting rooms, and video conferencing.

In general, shared workspaces and Telework Centers are better suited for more established professionals. These types of locations work on a twelve-month lease arrangement and are known for providing more traditional amenities such as conference rooms, professional office furniture, photocopiers, audio-visual equipment etc. Some also offer receptionists, pantries, and separated private offices. Coworking spaces are more ideal for start-up businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneur-types looking for an affordable creative atmosphere to pursue their passions. Usually, coworking spaces can be leased for a shorter period, between three and six months.

There are countless facilities in the Washington, DC metropolitan region, each offering a unique, productive, and flourishing environment. Regardless of location, each offers a surrounding of like-minded people and allow for independence while at the same time a collaborative, supportive community not available when working from home.

Below are just some of the many work centers within the region:

* Multiple Locations

Additional Resources

Federal Teleworkers

Disclaimer

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) is not engaged in rendering legal advice and provides guidance and other supporting materials free of charge solely to assist businesses in exploring teleworking arrangements with their employees. By using these materials, the recipient (1) acknowledges and agrees that the MWCOG makes no representations regarding the sufficiency (legal or otherwise) of these materials in any particular jurisdiction or for any particular business purpose, and (2) voluntarily and knowingly assumes all risks associated with their use.