Discussion: View Thread

  • 1.  Working Remotely

    Posted 03-01-2017 10:49 AM
    How is your company handling working remotely? I have noticed some firms have fully embraced it and show that the employees take a lot of responsibility for their work, often times working at any time of the day. Now that this is a reality, how is your company encouraging employees not to burn out from work due to additional working hours at home?

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    Oswaldo Bravo P.E., M.ASCE
    Staff Geotechnical Engineer
    Lenexa KS
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  • 2.  RE: Working Remotely

    Posted 03-02-2017 09:39 AM
    I think it really depends on the individual involved.  I, for example, am divorced, have adult children, and live alone. I do not mind at all doing some work at home evenings and even weekends, especially if I have nothing else planned (which I usually don't).  I'd much rather do that than stay late at the office. But those with many responsibilities at home are in a very different situation.
    I think that ultimately it's up to the individual to work out an approach that works best for them, and then (hopefully) get their employer to buy in.  If there is trust, responsibility, and professionalism on both sides, this should not be an issue.

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    Bernard Alpern A.M.ASCE
    Associate Vice President
    AECOM
    New York NY
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Working Remotely

    Posted 03-02-2017 09:49 AM
    It is incredible how much flexible technology has made the work environment!  Most group tasks that needed face-to-face interactions years ago can now be accomplished over phone/internet.  I am a full supporter of work place flexibility, which includes the option to work remotely.  I think we need to start moving away from measuring productivity by the number of hours logged and measure it by the number of tasks completed (or something similar).  I should also note that employers have a big part to play in making remote work spaces successful.  Employees should be provided with all the necessary communication tools (phones, conference lines, web/video conference sites, internal chats, and forums) so that they can stay productive.  Employees should also have the opportunity to meet every once in a while (once a quarter or twice a year, depends on the employer) so that they can develop their working relationships beyond the phone and web conversations.  

    Besides keeping the employees happy, I think work places that offer such flexibility have more loyal workers and are actually more productive and profitable.  Obviously, the move towards this flexibility will be varied and dependent on the type of company but I think everyone should at least consider implementing some aspects of flexible working schedules.    

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    Nathan Kebede P.E., M.ASCE
    Pavement Engineer
    Evanston IL
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Working Remotely

    Posted 03-02-2017 04:36 PM
    My company provides lap top computers for those that will need to work at home or a remote location.  Having a computer available when I am away from the main office allows to keep contact with my office, work from home, and at the client's location.  The company does control the types of information employees have access to.  Engineers and management have full access while others have limited access.  Several employees, both full time and part time work from their home in other states.  The company also provides limited access via cell phones and personal computers. 

    My former employer had a IT system that provided access to your programs and data at all of their locations and provided a code key to allow individuals on their personal computers.   

    My work with both companies required significant amount of travel and remote access has allowed me to communicate better with my staff and clients; and improve project performance.   


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    Kenneth Clark P.E., M.ASCE
    Civil Engineer
    Oklahoma City OK
    (405) 416-8187
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    Original Message


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