Working Remotely

OSU Resources for Telecommuting and Remote Work

OSU wants you to be successful by providing technology resources, services,
and necessary equipment to enable you to be successful in accomplishing your job.

TELECOMMUTING

Telecommuting, also known as working from home/working remotely, is a work arrangement where the employee works outside the office.  The following will provide guidance and resources for those whose job duties allow telecommuting. 

Supervisor Tools Employee Tools  Remote Work Plan Remote Meeting Resources Campus Resources

 

REMOTE WORK PLAN

Identify the roles that are critical to your business operations and determine whether those individuals can carry out their jobs while working remotely. If you can proceed, the next critical component is assessing your technological capabilities. 

  • Do you have the support in place to assist with the inevitable questions and IT problems that will arise?
  • Do you have sufficient security and privacy protocols in place?

Considering these questions will help you determine whether you can move forward with a remote work plan.  

 

SUPERVISOR TOOLS

As a supervisor of telecommuting employees, keep in mind: 

  • Set clear expectations.
  • Create a communication plan.
  • Manage all employees the same, whether telecommuting or working on-site.
  • Engage with your employees regularly.
  • Schedule video-based coaching.

When considering and communicating a work plan for your employees consider communicating the following:

  • Telecommuting does not equal free leave. Staff should document work they are performing from home.  Any time not spent working should be recorded as appropriate leave to equal a 40 hour work week, or an 8 hour work day for full-time employees. 
  • Each week, on Monday, a work plan with objectives needs to be written and sent to your supervisor.  This should be an outline of a set of tasks/responsibilities you will be performing for the week.  Please keep measurable outcomes in mind.  
    • ​Is there research they can do?  Benchmarking?
    • Are there e-files or shared drives that can be reviewed and organized?
    • Are there documents that can be developed or edited?
    • Is there specific software or soft-skills training that can be assigned during this time?  (Manger LMS Guide)
  • At the end of the workweek, your report should be sent to your supervisor.  Items may come up that were not addressed in your original work plan, but should be included in your final report.

Tips To Effectively Manage Remote Employees

What Employees Need from Leaders Right Now

OSU Telecommute Procedure

 

EMPLOYEE TOOLS

  • Create a communication plan with your supervisor.
  • Determine the proper equipment you require for your remote workspace.
  • Maintain the same schedule as if you were still in the office.
  • Prepare for your work as if you were still in the office. 
  • Set boundaries and schedule breaks throughout the day.

MANAGING A REMOTE WORKSPACE

Learning to Work From Home

How to Prevent Lonliness in a Time of Social Distancing

How to Make Sure Social Distancing and Self-Isolation Don't Hurt Your Mental Health

OSU Telecommute Procedure

 

 

REMOTE MEETING RESOURCES

There are many remote or video conferencing tools available.  Your team may already utilize a specific platform.  

  • Determine which platform you and your team will use.
  • Provide adequate information regarding the platform so everyone will know how to access the site or download the software to run the platform, in advance.
  • Practice logging in with another remote co-worker/employee to confirm audio and visual is work properly.
  • Provide instructions, guides or video resources to your team so they may practice and be prepared to host or participate in an online meeting.

 

CAMPUS RESOURCES

External resources from Talent Development:

Slideshow Title: 
Telecommuting Resources
Slideshow Subtitle: 
Learn more about telecommuting at OSU
Slideshow Image: 
Remote Work Picture
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