I have just returned from spending a week in Bethesda, working on one of my projects and catching up with my bosses and coworkers. I realized that in my previous post, Beaufort Bound, I only vaguely mentioned my new work situation. Now that I have been home-based for a few months, I think I decent understanding of the challenges and benefits of working from home.
First, I have to say that LexisNexis and my bosses have been amazing during this entire process. At first, I was a bit nervous about approaching my immediate managers with the news of the move. I thought they would be doing me a huge favor to allow me to become a HBE and I was afraid that they might not agree. Both bosses were very pleased that I was interested in becoming a HBE and made the process very simple. LN has quite a few HBEs, so many of the hoops to jump through were very simple and well laid out. Getting a new computer, switching to a different IT support department, making the payroll and tax changes, address changes, etc were simple. Basically, my bosses explained that this was a win-win, not them doing me a favor or vice versa. We both won: they kept a successful employee and I was able to move to Beaufort without worrying about finding a new job in a tough economy.
Since I left, three other employees have become HBEs and our management is exploring ways to promote and retain HBE employees, much to my surprise and excitement. The bosses have made it clear that becoming a HBE shouldn’t be a career-ender. This is a huge commitment on their part: one that will require time and dedication to make sure that the HBEs continue to be a valued part of the company.
I have also learned the importance of using new forms of communication. I have discussed the use of IM programs to facilitate communication here and continue to think of news ways to stay in touch with my team. Simple things make a huge difference to a HBE: Making sure to identify yourself on conference calls and being mindful of not talking over the person on the other end of the call. Though this might be a glitch, I am still on the Bethesda office mailing list, which can be distracting at times, but also helps me feel like I am still part of the office structure.
I would love to have a few more communication resources: Skype and videoconferencing. My company will pay for a phone line for my home office, but I think Skype would be a more cost effective and useful way to communicate. The cost is less than $50 per year for a SkypeIn number, voicemail, and unlimited calling to the US, Mexico, Canada, and most of Europe. I would also be interested in having the ability to videoconference with my team, another feature of Skype.
I appreciate that my bosses understand that my productivity schedule can be a bit different as a HBE. I agreed to be available during normal business hours, generally 0830 to 1700 or so. This schedule works very well 99% of the time. However, there are times when I know I am not being productive and I choose to do something personal and productive instead of sitting at my desk getting frustrated. I leave my Outlook open and AIM logged in since I can hear my new mail or new IM alert from anywhere in my house. When I was an office based employee, I could easily find a short distraction if I hit an unproductive spot, but working from home doesn’t offer the same opportunity for distraction. I’m very thankful that my bosses understand this and give me a bit of leeway. My deadlines don’t change, nor does my overall productivity expectations, however, the bosses understand that I might be more productive at different times during the day.
Overall, I don’t have a single complaint about becoming a HBE. It’s challenging to stay on task sometimes, it’s hard to explain to some people that you work from your house and it’s a constant struggle to draw a line between home and work. However, I have the ability to determine when I am being productive and most efficient, I don’t have a dry cleaning bill anymore, and I am never late for work. I’d say this is a pretty serious win-win.
