Lately I’ve been working on a new project with my mentor which may result in hiring some more support staff. One of things that we’ll have to pay attention to is the management of our new staff, since they’ll be working remote.

Here’s today’s “Work From Home Wednesday” tip! This is taken from an article written by Christa Heibel (CH Consulting LLC). The key points are all in relation to managing remote workers.

Set clear expectations. Is it a job that must be completed from 8–5 or can your employee work on his/her own schedule? Defining productivity standards and expectations can eliminate many performance-related issues down the road.

Touch base regularly. Let your employees know that are still a part of the office and that you are available to help resolve issues and see that things are running smoothly. Utilize instant messaging for employees that you need to contact throughout the day. An employee with an active, supportive manager is much more likely to perform better than one who feels disconnected from the office.

Use technology to streamline processes. Of course a remote-seat dialer is necessary for basic out-of-the office functioning, but don’t forget about the many other ways that technology can connect remote workers to the office. Web-based applications allow for workflow and workforce management. CRM tools keep customer data in order and make sure that all team members are on the same page. By providing remote access to ftp sites and internal application you can ensure that everyone has access to the most current versions of software and documents.

Conduct Quality Assurance monitoring. Chances are if you have one remote worker, you have many. Ensure high performance, accountability, and uniformity by conducting routine QA monitoring. If your office is not large enough to support a full time QA position, consider utilizing an outside partner to develop and execute a quality QA program.

Utilize performance reviews. Let your remote workers know what they are doing right and what needs improvement. Reward a job well done and give them the tools that they need to improve on areas that may be weak. By showing your employees that you are invested in their success, they will be more likely to give you their best effort.

If you’re interested in the entire article, it can be found here: http://voipforenterprise.tmcnet.com/feature/enterprise-transformation/articles/4386-managing-remote-workers.htm

Why do most family/theme restaurants have such a basic menu for children? The usualy choice includes..burger, hotdog, fries, chicken (nuggets, fingers or animal shapes) and pasta with sauce that tastes like ketchup! The argument is probably that kids like this stuff, but I’m sure if the chefs were a bit more creative with their children menus it would appeal to parents like me. I love when my girls ask to try something new and different…when they have that choice.
You guessed it… crappy children’s menu is today pet peeve.

They must be giving something away at the gym these days! With the start of the new year and all the resolutions it seems just about everyone is trying to loose weight or just get into some sort of “shape”. When we frist started to go to this health club back in early November 2006 the only really busy time would be around 11 am to 1pm (people who slipped in for a workout during their lunch break) and again at dinner time. Now no matter what time you go, it’s terribly busy… even at 11.30 pm last night when I left.

Since we started to hit the gym one of the things we’ve been trying to do is eat a bit healthier. Easier said than done! All the stuff I like seems to be stuff I should be avoiding;

- Chicken wings (deep fried)

- Chinese fried rice (yep fried again)

- Gravy in all forms

- Fried Chicken

- Jerk Chicken (with some skin left on)

- Never liked pop (soda), now I find myself wanting a pepsi

- Love my red meat (with butter?)
- Cream with my coffee

- Cheetos

- burger and fries

I’m sure by the end of the day this would be a massive list. So now my aim is to either find healthier foods to start liking or learn to cook the foods I like, healthier.
Have a great day!

Chris..

p.s. Now I have to build up the courage to get my prostate checked.

Why don’t you deal with it… that’s what I was told 2 times yesterday. Well I did and what a relief! Here’s a little tip for this work from home Wednesday. If you have any old issues that gets you stressed out, take action today! There is the old saying “if there’s a will there is a way”, its true. I had an outstanding school loan that’s been following me the past few years. Though I’ve been making payments, it only covered the interest. Today marks the last day a creditor will be calling me and it seems that a few tons have been lifted off my back.

What makes these situations even harder to deal with is when people who are supposed to support you, ones who know your financial situation and they add to the stress by finding a way to make it seem that you have the means and just don’t want to deal with it. Maybe it’s time to get that weight off my back to?

If you have some assignment that you’ve been putting off, grab hold of the bull by the horns and get it done!

Chris..

p.s. this now means no Pirate Crusie in St Lucia, but at least I’m a little stress free

New Year greetings to everyone!

Had to run out to the grocery store yesterday … big mistake since it seems everyone was on the same page as I!. With all the New Year’s Eve parties everyone was food shopping.

It’s pet peeve monday!

I’m a very meticulous shopper, especially when it comes to produce and fruit. I’m one of those people who, turn, twist, smell, squeeze gently all my produce before choosing which one gets to join me for dinner. Yesterday I was really peeved when after spending time to choose the perfect tomatoes (my fav fruit/vegetable of all) as I placed it on the belt of the check-out, the clerk not only tossed it onto the scale but immediately tossed it with the rest of my groceries to be bagged. Why can’t check-out clerks take a little more care and time with our food? I mean… would they choose bruised food to take home?

More under-trained employees?

Enjoy the first day of the new year!