Recent advances in technology have made it easier for people to work from home or from the road. High-speed Internet connections are now more readily available, and online collaboration tools make it easier for employees to stay in touch and to work together on projects globally.

As a result, employee interest in teleworking is growing. Historically, employers have resisted the idea of granting teleworking privileges to members of their staff. If you can't see employees, how can you be sure they are working and not goofing off?

If planned carefully and implemented correctly, a teleworking arrangement can be a win-win situation. For employees, more flexible schedules create better work/life balance and increase job satisfaction. For employers, reduced office and travel costs are just some of the savings — a happy employee is also usually a more productive employee.

As an employer, you need to establish benchmarks with teleworking staff from day one. Create written agreements that clearly outline expectations, deadlines, and goals. Provide your teleworkers with the right tools. Always keep the lines of communication open between teleworking staff and the main office.

Use the following tools to implement a successful teleworking plan in your organization.

• Get results from your teleworkers (Article)
  Read about ways to create a productive and trusting teleworker relationship.
• Tips for managing teleworkers (Article)
  Learn how to manage remote workers effectively.
• Goal planning form (Template)
  Discuss and agree on goals and objectives for off-site employees.
• Moving your team online with Windows SharePoint Services technology (Article)
  Learn how to set up a SharePoint site so your team can collaborate and communicate regardless of location.
• Download Windows SharePoint Services (Tool)
  Get the latest version of Windows SharePoint Services with Service Pack 1 (SP1).