ways2work > How to do it > Re-thinking commuting > Reducing commuting through ICT > Issues to be overcome > Teleworkers isolation
Teleworkers isolation
Surveys of teleworkers typically identify being isolated as one of the drawbacks of not working in an office. For example, a Department of Transport investigation of teleworkers reported that
"The social aspect of attending a regular place of work was also valued by participants, even if this was simply interaction with a receptionist or security staff … . Consequently a negative impact of teleworking experienced by some was isolation, relating both to loneliness and lack of sociability at home, but also a lack of contact with employers and colleagues."
The remedy for teleworkers' isolation (a.k.a. 'the loneliness of the long-distance teleworker') is for managers actively to take steps to facilitate relationship-building amongst and between teleworkers and office staff. Examples of practical steps that an organisation or manager could take are:
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Make teleworkers aware of their own responsibility to maintain relationships with their colleagues
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Organise a 'buddy system' between office-based and home-based staff
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Set up social networking facilities or chat rooms (in-house, or public) for staff use
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Encourage teleworkers to meet and engage in social activities together and with other staff
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Hold regular face-to-face meetings and budget for social activities alongside the work activities
None of the above is difficult to achieve, and teleworker isolation can soon be overcome. However, there is often a failure to recognise the important role that social relationships play in lubricating team work and increasing job satisfaction. Training in managing teleworkers will often help remedy this.