Resources must retool to support the new type of employee. For example, at Levi Strauss. A family task force was created to assist in reconciling between work and family life. The task force was formed to examine the changing needs of employees in terms of flex time, part-time jobs and other issues. The task force, which meets monthly, is chaired by the CEO, a fact that underscores its credibility and organizational priority (Riggs, 47). Among the system improvements include time management. Managers in an AW environment, particularly one in which employees work from a distance, must also pay close attention to time management. Failure to do so will severely impact the workflow of a telecommuter (Apgar, 128). Companies should look at the legal and tax ramifications of a corporate telecommuting program. Among those legal issues that must be addressed include insurance, liability and workers compensation, and local legal and union issues. What would happen if company owned property is stolen or damaged from a workers home? Does the workers homeowners insurance cover it, or does the employer? While liability and workers compensation is a concern for employers, the issues have not been totally defined, and therefore not worth of much worry. In addition, court cases have not defined this area (Harler, 28). When companies research local legal issues, they should particularly look at zoning in the employees hometown. Some condominium bylaws, for example, forbid working out of the home (Harler, 28).Additional Considerations Before Deploying Telecommuting Before deploying telecommuting, fundamental questions should be asked by key management players. Are you committed to new ways of operating? Are you braced for a cultural tailspin as your employees learn new ways of connecting with another from afar? Are you committed to examining your incentives and rewards policies in light of the different ways in which work may be completed? Is your o...
