A survey commissioned by Cisco on “Understanding and Managing the Mobile Workforce” makes for very interesting reading.
It has lessons for business managers, organisation development practitioners and students of business management alike.
The summary of their findings:
- Mobile working can enhance productivity, motivation, flexibility and staff retention.
- Technological and cultural trends support the growing adoption of mobile working.
- The key competencies required for effective mobile working are adaptability, communication, planning, organisation and relationship-building.
- The emerging psychological profile of the successful mobile worker suggests that resilience, extroversion, openness to new experiences, self-confidence and self-motivation are critical markers to consider when selecting staff.
- Mobile workers are at risk of stress, isolation and alienation from their employers.
- Managing mobile workers effectively demands high levels of trust, respect for individual autonomy, and close attention to communication styles and content.
- Organisations with mobile workers must invest in the creation and maintenance of rich relationships.
- Readiness for, and approaches to, mobile working vary according to national cultures.
Filed under: Employee Productivity
