Telecommuting makes work worse for non-telecommuters

Ars Technica has a short study on how telecommuting makes work worse for non-telecommuters. It argues that, while telecommuting has liberated the chosen few, those left behind are disappointed with having fewer, weaker relationships and are frustrated with the perceived increased workload and difficulties of working with teleworkers.

From a personal perspective, I have been working in remote teams since late 1999. Not only have I dealt with 'work at home' colleagues who may or may not appear in the office from day to day, I have the added challenge of working with other team members who are globally dispersed. From early morning meetings with Singapore to late evenings talking to those on the west coast of the United States, I spend my day interacting with colleagues I've never met.

Oh, and did I mention my manager sits 4800 miles away from me? :)

I have the ability to work from home whenever I want, though it is not encouraged in my current job and location. I do occasionally use it when I need to, but I prefer being in the office to have that separation of work and home life. When I work at home I typically do longer hours (no commute, start earlier, finish later), and even leave the PC connected while having dinner or watching TV in an evening. I am more productive at home, but also feel the need to 'prove' I'm working harder.

Building relationships is hard at first, but if you set some ground rules, use the available tools like email and Instant Messaging (and heaven forbid you pick up the phone once in a while), with a little effort and some trust in your colleagues, it's very rewarding.