Dive Brief:
- Choosing a remote worker can be tricky business unless both the employee and the employer know the exact benefits of telecommuting, according to Business.com.
- From the employer perspective, there are the obvious and oft-cited real estate cost savings, which tops the list of the bonuses of telework.
- Telecommuting offers the ultimate in flexibility, allowing workers to be self-paced in meeting both deadlines and work quality expectations. The article says a remote work situation certainly can be a "win-win," but hiring that remote worker requires an added dimension of due diligence from an employer/HR department.
Dive Insight:
Before making an offer, it's first good to understand how the job candidate feels about being independent while on the clock. The best idea is to ask them. Hiring a remote worker just because it makes sense for the employer may be a failure if the worker requires a more hands-on management style. On the flip side, allowing someone to telecommute just because they personally like the idea may also be doomed to fail.
The next fundamental step in hiring a remote worker is skill assessment. Meeting deadlines and delivering quality work are basics, along with the ability of a remote worker to keep in touch often and their ability to work independently.
While it may take extra time and effort to hire a good remote worker, the article reports, it will often be worth it, as they will be a happy, engaged and productive person in the fold.
