Long distance relationships, whether work or personal, require dedicated communication skills. The more work-related the relationship, the more opportunities for enhanced productivity and creativity. But the personal side can never be forgotten – we’re only human. Never forget to reveal your personal side when interacting long distance – it’s as simple as smiling while talking on a conference call! ~ David M. Reile, Ph.D.
Photo by Freddie Marriage on Unsplash
FOCUS ON: Turning the Disadvantages of Virtual Work into Advantages
If your client is hesitant to become a virtual employee, counsel them to look for well organized teams and opportunities for videoconferencing. The geographic distance can lead to lack of trust unless informal communication occurs (e.g., videoconferencing or chat time). Organized teams offer carefully constructed communication – a balance of frequent informal interacting without wasting time. Read more advantages at Virtual Power Teams.
JOB SEARCHING: Is Telecommuting in Your Keyword Search?
Hopefully you are telling your clients to avoid the search term “work from home” when looking for virtual jobs. Scammers use the same term! It would be better for the job seeker to visit corporate websites and look for telecommuting policies. Your client may also need help in identifying and revealing their own successful telecommuting traits such as accountability and self-motivation. Read more about “How to Land a Telecommuting Job“.
TOP TEN: Reasons to Telework
Benefits to the employer, employee, economy, environment and society are included in this top ten list. If you are working virtually, you already enjoy a better balance of family of work responsibilities. See what else can telework offer: http://www.telcoa.org/about-us/telcoas-top-10-reasons-to-telework/
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: Associations Want to Make Your Work Life Better
Check out The American Telecommuting Association website: www.yourata.com and The Telework Coalition website: www.telcoa.org. Obviously these organizations have similar missions (successful telecommuting). Further searching can lead to more help from different associations, such as state employees associations that draft new teleworking policies (e.g., the Vermont State Employees’ Association).
WHAT ARE OTHER CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS SAYING ABOUT… Virtual Work?
If your boss works in another country, Alison Green, from “Ask A Manager,” encourages vigilance about “doing all the normal things a manager and managee should do.” Also, it is important to not make assumptions, like you won’t have contact with your boss due to the time differences. It is better to “assume that you can have contact with your boss, and it’s just about coming up with systems and structure that will make that easier.”
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QUOTES
Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success. - Paul J. Meyer
A true balance between work and life comes with knowing that your life activities are integrated, not separated. - Michael Thomas Sunnarborg, 21 Keys to Work/Life Balance: Unlock Your Full Potential