Are teamwork and telecommuting possible at the same time?
In most cases, absolutely. In fact, teamwork can actually be improved and the team can maintain more effective ties when telecommuting is part of the job. The success of the team relies on three factors: 1) accountability, 2) communication and 3) technology. Telecommuting requires a certain amount of accountability. Teleworkers should be expected to return e-mail, phone calls and text messages on a regular basis and to finish their work on time and in a professional manner. The teleworker should expect the same from their managers. When a team is spread over a distance, accountability is a crucial part of the equation. Each member of the team is now accountable to every other member. If some of these team members were good employees as telecommuters before they were placed in the team, they already fit the profile of a good teammate and can be expected to incorporate those qualities into their work. That is, being a telecommuter, they are in the habit of being accountable and most like
