More and more workers are finding themselves working outside of a traditional office environment. In our research on mobile working, one report we found stated that the global mobile worker population is expected to increase from 919.4 million in 2008 to more than 1.19 billion in 2013. With this growth in mobile working it is important to be prepared.

Here are three myths about mobile working:
 

1. There are work hours and play hours. If you are accustomed to going to an office, you experienced an artificial boundary that made you believe you had a home life and office life. In reality you have a life and it’s up to you to determine how to spend it wisely. We all get the same number of hours in the day. You need to determine how you will invest those hours to achieve the results and outcomes that matter to you and to your employer.
2. Mobile working means that you are doing what you did in the office – at home. In reality you are working in a completely different environment. You can do laundry and be on a conference call at the same time. New routines and systems must be learned to ensure that you make the most of your new environment.
3. Mobile working works well for everyone. There are certain people who are happier and more productive in an office. If you are transitioning to a mobile working environment, assess your work habits, personality and style so you can determine the optimal working situation. Don’t assume that being at home is best.

Redefine your world of work and create a life that works for you.

Strengthen your Links by intentionally using technology to care rather than just share. There is so much information being pushed to your colleagues and team. Email gives status updates, informs about decision and tells us to take action. We have reports to read, meetings to prepare for and tasks to perform.

Break through the noise and take a minute to care about someone. You will strengthen your links and create greater connection.  The stronger the connection the better the quality of your remote working experience.

If you are a manager, start an IM chat with your team to wish them a good day and have a brief conversation.  This should not be work related it is about creating connection. Ask for input on a news story or the winner of a TV reality show.  The point is to build your links, strengthen your connection and be part of a relationship that withstands the test of being remote.

If you are working far away from your employer’s office on a regular basis you have joined the Remote Revolution.  Whether you call it “teleworking,” “working from home,” or simply remote working the revolution has begun.

“As mobility continues to play a key role in enabling companies to achieve greater productivity worldwide, IDC expects the global mobile worker population to increase from 919.4 million in 2008 to more than 1.19 billion in 2013, representing nearly 35% of the worldwide workforce,” (from IDC study; Worldwide Mobile Worker Population 2009–2013 Forecast )

Working from a location other than an office is not a new concept. The revolution taking place is the speed at which organizations, including governments, are implementing tools, policies and processes that enable their workers to work at home or an alternative location.

The Benefits for the Employer:

• Less office space required ; real estate expense is reduced
• Employee engagement and retention: people stay at jobs where they feel respected, trusted and are permitted to work in a way that works for them
• Increase the pool of talent; no geographical hiring limitations
• Become an “Employer of Choice”

 The Benefits for the Employee:

• No Commute:  which saves commute time and expense
• More flexibility and control: take charge of  schedule and choose work style
• Increased productivity: manage your distractions, pace your work and define boundaries
• Less stress: avoid rush hour, office politics and unpleasant work environemnt
• Greater work/life balance: integrate work and family obligations
• Increased job satisfaction: studies show increased connection with supervisor

Whether or not you personally participate in the Remote Revolution, this change will impact you and the way you work in the months and years to come.