The teleworking revolution is very much a part of modern working as businesses of all kinds wake up to the benefits it can provide. The Internet has played a big part in this, enabling highly effective communications between managers and their staff from any geographic location. The home-working option may even play a part in helping to recruit the right staff for your business.

It does, however, bring a new set of challenges for business managers and requires the adoption of a range of new skills. Whereas in the past managers have been able to see clearly what their workforce was doing, new levels of trust are now required. But as most people respond positively to this the effects on morale, staff retention and sick leave can all bring increased productivity.

Keeping staff motivated and focused and ensuring cohesion between home workers and those permanently based in an office is vital, and it’s important to keep a real sense of teamwork so that those working at home don’t become resented by others. Using technology wherever possible is advisable – providing home workers with access to the company’s local area network can help. Encouraging regular contact between office-based staff and teleworkers will help to combat feelings of isolation that can often arise.

It’s also very important to have guidelines for the home worker to follow. You’ll need to ensure, for instance, that telephone calls are answered appropriately, as maintaining a consistent image throughout your business is important. Ensure also that all telephone and Internet connection bills are paid promptly.

Working at home will seem highly attractive to many people but it also requires considerable amounts of discipline. There will be inevitable distractions and so helping staff to develop good time-management skills, providing training where required, is advisable.

As manager you will need to ensure that deadlines are met. Where a home worker seems to be falling behind early assistance to overcome the problem can prevent it becoming more acute.