Telework Tales: The Tools We Use to Stay Connected (Part 1)

Technology has enabled rapid adoption of telework (also called telecommuting) since the turn of the century. Telework happens when an employee or volunteer regularly does their work outside of the office, usually at home or when traveling.

It has transformed the workplace. In fact, nearly half of U.S. workers now have telework-compatible jobs.

At TechSoup, it has enabled us to hire gifted people who live and work in far-flung places, and yet still do great work on behalf of charities and libraries. In this series of blog posts, TechSoup staff will share our telework experience.

Jessica Galeria — Associate Director of Strategic Development

I worked remotely full-time during much of 2014 when my husband and I relocated to Brazil for nine months. During that time, our fund development team brought on a new staff member, whom I on-boarded and supervised remotely. I had quite a bit of experience being managed by remote staff at TechSoup, but this was my first time managing someone remotely myself.

I had to accommodate the six-hour time difference between Rio de Janeiro and San Francisco by adjusting my workday so that I could be on call during San Francisco work hours.

I also initiated a lot of meetings, as I knew it would be important to keep in touch and have enough human contact during the day. This helped to stave off loneliness while working from home!

Telework Tools Jessica Relies On

During my time in Brazil, I participated in meetings as much if not more frequently than when I am in the home office. I mainly used TechSoup donor products: the Skype chat application; and ReadyTalk audio, web, and video conferencing services.

When working remotely, I use Skype chat very frequently for quick questions or to set up meeting times, and I use ReadyTalk for the actual multiple-person meetings.

The main benefit for me from telework is head space! I need time for thinking and processing and writing, without distractions. Also, I found that working from home was incredibly productive — also due to fewer distractions and more focus and clarity.

Now that I am back in the Bay Area, I work remotely on occasion, usually when I need to write a grant proposal, report, article, or other piece that requires more quiet and focus.

Jessica's Final Word on Telework

I think telework is a huge benefit that TechSoup is able to extend to employees, allowing them the opportunity to keep the job they love in spite of relocation. It is also an important vote of confidence, that management trusts employees and trusts the systems to allow for flexible arrangements.

This post is part one of three. Read the second part on how Eli van der Giessen, community organizer, makes telework work for him, and the third part, on Michael Enos' experience and recommendations.

Image 1: TechSoup

Image 2: Jessica Galeria

Image 3: Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock

Image 4: Goran Djukanovic / Shutterstock