10 Are you ready for teleworking?

No, never, not at all, on the contrary, etc.

1

Sometimes, rarely, not sufficiently, etc.

2

Often, sufficiently, just about right, etc.

3

Yes, always, in complete agreement with this statement, etc.

4

Category 1

You are not yet ready for teleworking.

Category 2

You are almost ready for teleworking, but the test reveals a number of obstacles (degree 1) or weaknesses (degree 2) which will have to be overcome and remedied before you are able to implement an organisation based on teleworking. The weaknesses are such that they do not completely preclude the use of teleworking. However, the distance and media-based activity concepts are likely to intensify difficulties and accentuate the negative effects.  

Category 3

Your are fully ready for teleworking. As in Category 2, however, you will have to pay attention to the weaknesses identified and adapt the teleworking system to take account of these constraints or eliminate them as soon as possible. 

Is the situation applying to the jobs concerned favourable for the introduction of teleworking?

1, 2, 3, 4

The candidates for teleworking have the use of a communicating computer system

They have individual access to the necessary peripheral equipment

The computer and telecommunications equipment required for teleworking is not too bulky

Face to face contact between candidates and their work colleagues (or with their immediate superior) may be limited

The candidates' present duties can be freed from the use of printed documentation stored at the head office

The candidates' present duties are mainly based on the collection and/or processing of confidential information

The actual work site is of little importance

The work site can be changed without causing any radical change in the work content

The work pace is not determined by the order-giver

The work pace is not dependent on distant colleagues

The work pace is not dependent on customers

A check on the presence of the employee at his workstation can be dispensed with

It is not difficult to draw up measurable objectives for the candidates

Is the company organisation suited to teleworking?

1, 2, 3, 4

The company structure is highly decentralised

Networked working is a regular practice

For the moment, it can be said that there is no redeployment plan threatening the sector involved in the project

Some entities in the sector concerned by the project will have to be relocated

Absenteeism in the sector concerned is low

The current social climate in the company is tranquil

Management by objective is practised in the sector concerned

Teleworking is already in informal use in the sector concerned

The company is facing keen competition that demands a high level of reactiveness

The company is frequently confronted with change

The company differs greatly from a bureaucratic organisation

Do the employees concerned possess the necessary profile?

1, 2, 3, 4

The candidates are all volunteers and motivated by the project

Employees remaining on the company's premises do so willingly and are motivated by the project

The immediate superiors of the candidates are motivated and in favour of the project

The candidates have several years' work experience in the company

The candidates know how to organise their work

The candidates display flexibility in the organisation of their working hours

Employees concerned by the project are highly autonomous and able to take initiative measures

Employees concerned by the project are skilled in finding solutions to problems themselves

Employees concerned by the project are fully capable of working without any hierarchical supervision.

Employees concerned by the project have had practice and display an aptitude for remote communication

Employees concerned by the project know how to adapt and take on the role of service provider

The employees' superiors are capable of managing the personnel under their supervision without actually seeing them

The group's superiors are accustomed to delegating

The group's superiors have every confidence in the personnel they manage.

Will the company's computer and telecommunications equipment facilitate the introduction of teleworking?

1, 2, 3, 4

The company is well supplied with computer and telecommunications equipment

The company runs an Internet site for an exchange with its customers

The company has access to an Intranet used for internal exchange

The use of a communicating information system is current and of long standing

In case of breakdown, users of this equipment can themselves ensure the first level of maintenance.

Does the company's plan to intrudcue teleworking stand a chance of success?

1, 2, 3, 4

The planned scenario gives organisational planning priority over regional planning

The planned scenario gives the economic aspect priority over the social aspect

Nonetheless, the social benefits for the candidates can be clearly seen

The project is aimed at more than just reducing travel costs

The project is aimed at more than just reducing accommodation overheads

The project attaches importance to the creation of value added

The project is aimed at pooling skills and/or human resources

The project should enable jobs to be maintained

Total number of points

Category 1: 61 to 122

Category 2: 123 to 183

Category 3: 184 to 244

Is your workplace compatible with the teleworking system?

1, 2, 3, 4

Your workplace is equipped with communicating information systems

You have individual access to the necessary peripheral equipment?

The computer and telecommunications equipment required for teleworking is not too bulky

Face to face contact with your work colleagues (or immediate superior) may be limited

Your present duties can be freed from the use of printed documentation stored at the head office

Your present duties consist mainly in processing information of a not very confidential nature

Your actual work site is of no major importance

Your work site can be changed without causing any radical change in the work content

Your work pace is not determined by the order-giver

Your work pace is not dependent on distant colleagues

Your work pace is not dependent on customers

Your superiors can dispense with any need to check that you are present at your workplace

It is not difficult to draw up measurable objectives for the candidates

Is the organisation of your company suited to teleworking?

1, 2, 3, 4

The company structure is highly decentralised

Networked working is a regular practice

For the moment, it can be said that there is no redeployment plan threatening the sector involved in the project

Some entities in the sector concerned by the project will have to be relocated

Absenteeism in the sector concerned is low

The current social climate in the company is tranquil

Management by objective is practised in the sector concerned

Teleworking is already in informal use in your sector of activity

There is keen competition in your sector of activity that demands a high level of reactiveness

Your sector of activity is frequently confronted with change

Your company differs greatly from a bureaucratic organisation

Do you and your colleagues possess the necessary profile for teleworking?

1, 2, 3, 4

You are a volunteer and motivated by the project

The members of the work group remaining on the company's premises do so willingly and are motivated by the project

The immediate superiors of the your work group are motivated and in favour of the project

You have several years' work experience in the company

You know how to organise your work

You display flexibility in the organisation of your working hours

You are highly autonomous and able to take initiative measures

You are skilled in finding solutions to problems yourself

You are fully capable of working without any hierarchical supervision.

You have had practice and display an aptitude for remote communication

You know how to adapt and take on the role of service provider

The group's supervisors are capable of managing the personnel under their control without actually seeing them

The group's supervisors are accustomed to delegating

The group's supervisors have every confidence in the personnel they manage.

Will the computer and telecommunications equipment in your section facilitate the introduction of teleworking?

1, 2, 3, 4

The company is well supplied with computer and telecommunications equipment

The company runs an Internet site for an exchange with its customers

The company has access to an Intranet used for internal exchange

The use of a communicating information system is current and of long standing

In case of breakdown, you can yourself ensure the first level of maintenance

Could you practise teleworking from home?

1, 2, 3, 4

You have a room available that could be devoted to teleworking

You have direct access from home to the basic telephone network

You have direct access from home to a broadband telecommunications network

It will be possible to ensure effective protection of the network against interference

It will be possible to ensure effective protection of the system against virus attack

It will be possible to provide a data back-up system

The electrical installations in your home conform to existing safety standards.

The future workplace is properly insulated against noise and other causes of disturbance

The workplace is well protected against break-ins

You are sure that no family-related problems will disturb your work at home

You are sure that no third parties (family, neighbours) will cause any disturbance

The workplace and equipment can be properly insured

The risk of accident at work can be properly insured against

Total number of points

Category 1: 56 to 112

Category 2: 113 to 168

Category 3: 169 to 224

Is your performance managing procedure suited to teleworking?

1, 2, 3, 4

Each member is informed of the results of the work performed by the group

Tasks and objectives are clearly set out and periodically discussed with the work group

Definition of objectives, evaluation of individual results and skills to be deployed form the basis of a contractual arrangement

Changes in priorities and possible re-aligning of objectives, either individual or collective, are systematically explained

Members of the group share common objectives

To facilitate collective working, the methods of group work are clearly defined

Current and long-term strategy taking account of factors such as the growth of competition, partners and customers, short-term effects, etc. is examined together with close collaborators

The means for measuring performance (indicators, diagnosis, polls and surveys, etc.) are based on a global approach (quantity, quality, cost, time schedules, flexibility, etc.)

The indicators required for steering the work exist, are formalised, updated and accessible when needed

Evaluation of the work carried out includes an assessment of personal effort

Throughout the year, activity monitoring sessions are held with each member of the group

Internal communications carries regular reports on the tasks and objectives of the work group

Is the method of defining and applying rules compatible with tele-management?

1, 2, 3, 4

The rules applying to the monitoring of activities are clearly set out

Operating rules exist, are known and applied to organising and conducting work meetings

Most of these rules are formalised

These rules are discussed with the work group and updated regularly

Virtual or physical meetings of the entire work group are arranged at regular intervals

There are clear, well-adapted rules applying to methods of communication and conducting meetings (on-site visits, meetings, telephone contact, etc.)

Is the choice and use of communication means compatible with tele-management?

1, 2, 3, 4

The needs for communication and information processing and for suitable tools have been diagnosed

The communication means employed enable the information necessary for the functioning of the work group to be accessed at the proper time

Progress in information and communication technologies allows for the introduction of new forms of work organisation and is an integral part of the company's strategic planning.

The existing information system provides steering indicators: highlighting the issues and problems facing the work group, room for thought and debate and perhaps also decision-making.

The managers take active part in the functioning of the information system used by their work teams, especially in animating areas of group work

Priority is accorded to holding discussions with users concerning needs and required uses prior to making any technical choices

Specification of new work spheres is subject to a global examination of the work organisation by all users (strategy, issues at stake, activities, work pace,, cost, image, etc.)

Do your relations with the work group lend themselves favourably to teleworking?

1, 2, 3, 4

You are familiar with the professional and cultural background as well as the motivation of each member

You do not find it difficult to envisage managing the personnel under your supervision without seeing them

You are fully familiar with the working conditions and environment of each member of the group

A balance between the relational and professional aspect is sought after in your contact with members of the group

Individual and collective recognition, the level of control and degree of delegation constitute marks of confidence vis-à-vis members of the work group

You are accustomed to delegating

A formal or informal exchange with each member of the group is arranged at least once a week

Occasions for informal social contact are organised regularly

Opportunities for discussions are organised within a clear framework (objectives and room for manoeuvre) with no systematically imposed attendance, either at management or work group level

You consider your personnel sufficiently autonomous for working without any hierarchical supervision

The immediate managers of the group have every confidence in its members.

Does the handling of the know-how and skills of members of the work group lend itself to tele-management of the group?

1, 2, 3, 4

A chart has been drawn up showing the specific skills required for carrying out the tasks of the work group

The key skills of each member required for carrying out the task have been identified

A plan for developing the skills of each member has been formalised, the means exist for identifying and monitoring these skills and are used for steering their development

Recruitment is based on achieving complementarity of skills and knowledge within the work group

Members of the team take part in working group sessions and in the company's transverse or external network, according to their activities.

This participation and its results are reported regularly to all members of the group

Systems for formalising and capitalising on the benefits of the work and for monitoring, etc., that can be used in achieving the task are specified, implemented and made available to all members of the group

Total number of points

Category 1: 44 to 88

Category 2: 89 to 132

Category 3: 133 to 176