The pros and cons of teleworking by Ellen Roseman (Toronto Star, 5/30/2004) focuses on one "con" in particular, the lack of social interaction and potential feelings of isolation that can come from working remotely. One solution is to telework part-time. Going in to the office two or three days a week "overcomes the risk of isolation, the `out of sight, out of mind' syndrome".

Another solution - not discussed in the article - is to use one of the leading edge virtual presence tools that we're currently piloting at the Telework Consortium. These tools enable face-to-face meetings from your desktop or laptop, over the public internet, to collegues located just about anywhere. Higher bandwidth connections allow for higher quality video, and thus richer, more satisfying communications, but even at cable Internet speeds you're able to see your collegues regularly. Without the commute.

Oh, gotta go... I have to see a collegue in Minnesota, and then meet with a group here at my office, including a participant in Sweden. All face-to-face, of course.

9:28:07 AM    
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