REMOTE CONTROL; Accountemps Survey: Companies More Open to Remote Work Arrangements

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Sep 14, 2011, 08:00 ET

MENLO PARK, Calif., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Face time at the office isn't what it used to be. In a recent Accountemps survey, one-third (33 percent) of chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed said remote work arrangements, such as telecommuting and working from satellite offices, have increased at their companies in the last three years.

The survey was developed by Accountemps, the world's first and largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with 1,400 CFOs across the United States.

CFOs were asked, "Have remote work arrangements (for example, telecommuting or working from a satellite office) within your company increased, decreased or remained the same in the last three years?" Their responses:

Increased greatly	11%
Increased somewhat	22%
No change	57%
Decreased somewhat	3%
Decreased greatly	1%
Doesn't apply/no remote work	7%

* Total does not equal 100% due to rounding

"The prevalence of mobile technologies and wireless communication makes it easier for companies to support flexible work arrangements for their employees," said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Human Resources Kit For Dummies® (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.). "Although not all positions are suited to remote work arrangements, for those that are, this option can help give professionals more control over their schedules and aid in recruitment and retention efforts."

Messmer added, "Businesses that are considering remote work arrangements should set clear policies and establish specific productivity goals."

Accountemps identifies five tips for employers and employees:


	Advice for employers	Advice for employees
1. Communication	Keep remote workers in the loop on the latest news about the department and company. Don't rely solely on email: Schedule regular calls and in-person meetings.	Provide frequent status updates to the boss on key projects, and look for opportunities to interact with your manager and colleagues.
2. Resources	Ensure offsite employees have the necessary resources, including appropriate network access.	If you are using your own computer and phone system, make sure your equipment is up-to-date. You should be as productive working remotely as you are in the office.
3. Planning	Establish expectations and guidelines at the outset so you can monitor the arrangement and adjust as necessary.	Anticipate potential concerns your employer may have about an offsite work arrangement and be prepared to discuss how you plan to handle them.
4. Security	Work with your information technology personnel to set up the requisite security protocols.	Ensure your computer and other equipment are safeguarded by the company against security threats.
5. Camaraderie	To ensure remote workers continue to feel connected to the group, include them in team activities and recognize their accomplishments in front of their colleagues.	Try to join group activities, from offsite trainings to department celebrations, as much as possible. Seek input from coworkers when brainstorming, and volunteer to assist them when they need help.