Given the recent advances in Technology and the changes this brought to business communications, revolutionary impacts on the traditional workplace are predictable. The modern workplace is truly global in its realm. It is imperative that an organization integrates communication systems that are international in scope. The basic premise remains clear, concise and goal oriented communication. However, today's supervisors and organizations must come to terms with the use of these new systems.

With the advent of new digital telecommunication systems and networks, it is inevitable that these advances should integrate into business. The new trend is toward a "virtual workspace," that is telecommuting or "telework," as referred to in Europe. A new telecommunication industry has materialized. Known as Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) this discipline promotes the study and regulation of the industry. Telecommuting is becoming a norm. Alan Cummings stated in this months Vision magazine,

"Small, disparate groups of entrepreneurs now dominate a dynamic, business-oriented culture in which qualifications matter greatly; social status, age, and gender count for little; and a

Today, via telecommuting, it is entirely probable that the complete career relationship could occur with no more personal contact than a fax or e-mail. Virtually every workspace provides not only a telephone, also voicemail and/or messaging. Most offices have an array of digital devices, such as personal computers, scanners, printers, facsimile systems, and modems. In addition, the workspace has grown wheels and gone mobile. To function, many of us must carry a beeper, cellular phone, even a laptop or palmtop computer. "There will be no excuse for the technology deficient."

Effective communication is important in all organizations. "Communication is the process that links all managerial functions. There is no managerial function that a supervisor can fulfill without communicating." We have defined communication as the transfer of information. We measure successful communication in terms of mutual understanding. The essence of communication is a two way process. Someone speaks another listens. Is what the second party hears, actually the semantic of what the first party intended to convey? Unfortunately, "understanding" is nearly intangible. Most supervisors spend the majority of their time interacting. This includes the processing (sending and receiving) of information. The supervisor is frequently a pivot point for information transfer, up and down the organizational structure. In order to be a successful supervisor one must communicate effectively. To be a skilful communicator, a supervisor must master the communication tools provided.

Telecommuting is growing in popularity. The American Telecommuting Association states on their web page "telecommuting is second only to "casual days" as the fastest-growing shift in traditional working patterns, and it's far more helpful than wearing sneakers and tee-shirts for accomplishing more work in less time." The ATA further States, these advantages:

We all feel differently about having visitors, let alone co-workers or our manager, come into our homes. Respect these differences and be sure you don't do or say anything to make the telecommuter uncomfortable.

"This appears to be a "conduct problem" rather than a "performance problem." You've suggested that the employee's job performance is satisfactory (a terrific employee) but the problem is in fact the employee's conduct of using company equipment and working for another employer. This should be handled as a violation of company policy which should have been made clear up front and perhaps as a condition of employment. Depending on how seriously the employer considers the conduct, an appropriate response should be taken, up to and including dismissal (assuming that sufficient evidence is found). Conduct problems are not usually handled in the same way as performance problems."

5. The family generally likes having Mommy or Daddy around for that extra hour each telecommuting work day, and presumably benefits from not getting dumped on by the physical commuter's unspent frustration accumulated during the trip home."

Some common words found in the essay are:
Gil Hodges, Telecommuting Association, Mommy Daddy, CBT Web, Corporate Office, Gil Gordon, Performance Appraisal, Air Act, Supervisory Perspective, Solicitor Collector, benefits telecommuting, benefits telecommuting immediately, home office, job performance, telecommuter's home, employee's home, telecommuting immediately, training employee, production oriented, focus results, communication process, expected achieved counts, achieved counts product, results expected achieved, counts product delivered,
Approximate Word count = 4621
Approximate Pages = 18 (250 words per page double spaced)