SULAIR Human Resources

SUL/AIR Telecommuting Guidelines (Draft)

The Stanford University Libraries and Academic Information Resources supports telecommuting as an alternative work arrangement. Computers, fax machines, cellular phones and advanced communication links have made it easier to be very productive at home. In fact, the most popular form of telecommuting at present, is working at home--the employee designates a space at home to conduct work-related functions one or two days per week. This arrangement could be short term (weeks) or long term ( months). Companies such as AT&T, Pacific Bell, 3Com, Cisco Systems, Silicon Graphics, and HP have identified the following benefits gained by supporting telecommuting.

Competitive advantage in hiring and retention

Higher employee morale

Increased productivity

Complies with air quality ordinance

Reduces pollution

Determining which employees will make good telecommuters requires consideration about the type of work performed, the responsibilities, and the work habits of the potential telecommuter. Not all employees will make good candidates for telecommuting.

SUL/AIR's Telecommuting Criteria:

Benefits both employer and employee
Meets job requirements
- Tasks suitable for telecommuting
- Clearly defined goals and objectives
Meets personal requirements
- High performer
- Results-oriented, self-motivated, needs minimal supervision, strong knowledge of the job, well-organized, can set priorities and manage time, and the home situation is conducive to telecommuting

Responsibilities:

Employee

Prepare a written request/proposal for telecommuting
Abide by the agreement developed from the proposal
Set up a dedicated work area in the home suitable for conducting business that meets safety requirements
Establish a work schedule that meets operational needs
Safeguard equipment and proprietary information

Manager

Decide whether a telecommuting agreement meets SUL/AIR's operational needs and the telecommuting criteria
Establish measurable goals and provide feedback on performance
Asset management: maintain inventory of equipment provided to the the employee to be used at home
Review the arrangement on a regular basis

Miscellaneous:

Tax questions related to working at home should be referred to an accountant or tax consultant. A copy of the IRS publication #587, Business Use of Your Home, can be obtained by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
Workers' compensation will cover a work-related injury if it occurs in the home office or while working with office-related equipment.

Last modified: February 17, 2006