Welcome to the eWorkPlace Blog!

You know, even though I have pet of my own, I’ve never really considered pets to be an issue when it comes to teleworking.

However, while scouring the internet for interesting topics for you, gentle reader, I have found that it’s much more common than you’d think. Even when people recognize the perks of being able to spend time with their pets (or maybe in your case, kids?) it can potentially be a huge distraction. Check out this YouTube video:

Hmm… maybe he was on a break. But really, how do keep yourself from these cute distractions?

Well, this article from the Examiner has some good questions along with some good tips. Take a look and don’t forget to comment to let me know what you think!

Adeel Lari, M.B.A., P.E.
Director of Innovative Financing, Research Fellow, and Teleworker
Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
University of Minnesota

First things first, if you still haven’t seen this article in the Twin Cities Daily Planet about eWorkPlace, go read it!

Secondly, I’d like to talk about how telework can help mitigate unemployment in the current economic crisis. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, and in the case of the upcoming link, MSNBC, the national unemployment rate is now 9.5% which is a 26-year high.

Although some companies recognize that telework is one way to boost morale and offer perks in the downturn, not enough companies are recognizing this is also one way to save money and reduce unnecessary layoffs. Small and large businesses alike can save up to 15-20% just from the reduction in the utility and landline bills at the office. 

Ask yourself: How many jobs would that save?

Adeel Lari, M.B.A., P.E.
Director of Innovative Financing, Research Fellow, and Teleworker
Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
University of Minnesota

I realized recently that it has been awhile since I’ve posted a video. I’ve mostly been talking at you, so why not take a video break to digest some information on teleworking?

Although it’s a piece based on Northern Virginia, many of the same issues still relate to Minnesota, don’t you think?

Adeel Lari, M.B.A., P.E.
Director of Innovative Financing, Research Fellow, and Teleworker
Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
University of Minnesota

Apparently a significant number of iPhone owners telework regularly and slightly under half regularly access an employers’ network from home, when compared to smartphone or mobile phone owners.

Hmm. Well I don’t have the convenience of an iPhone to aid my teleworking, but it hasn’t been a problem yet. Am I missing out on something? Surely there are tools that are more affordable and dare I say… free? (yeah don’t be surprised if this becomes a theme. I’m a fan of free. And saving money. Why do you think I’m such a proponent of teleworking? ;)

In any case, a fellow blogger listed 100 Must-Have Web Tools for Telecommuters on The Daily Netizen. An excellent resource for employers and employees alike. Even if you happen to have an iPhone, some of these suggestions will surely be a useful addition to your teleworking toolbox.

Adeel Lari, M.B.A., P.E.
Director of Innovative Financing, Research Fellow, and Teleworker
Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
University of Minnesota