Calibre Systems was experiencing some growth when it was approached by a small group of employees interested in teleworking. Given the technology base of Calibre Systems’ business, it was only natural to put a program in place. The option of allowing some employees to work offsite was a promising alternative to an expensive move.

The telework initiative was led by the HR Manager and Chief Technology Officer. The executives had approved the proposal, but a group of more conservative managers had to be convinced that the program would not make their job more challenging.

To ease the transition these managers were trained specifically on how to overcome the perceived obstacle of "managing without face time." A two-year pilot program was conducted, and participants were trained in a classroom setting. The technology division gave one-on-one software training and made house calls to set up home offices.

Calibre Systems designed a telework policy that met their company and employee expectations. They provided employees with the technology they required at home and in the office, including laptops, printers, faxes, scanners, docking stations and office supplies, and paid for web and long distance service and setup.

Today the telework program at Calibre Systems is full, with 30 full-time remote employees, and 25 others who telework informally. Even the evaluations from non-teleworking staff rank the program as the second most attractive feature of working for the company. Overall, the program has helped the company retain and attract valuable employees whose long commutes from outside of Northern Virginia would’ve otherwise been prohibitive.

Telework employees and their supervisors agree that they are more productive working offsite. Despite tremendous growth, a telework program allowed Calibre Systems to avoid the expense of acquiring new real estate.

Click here to read the full report on Calibre Systems’ telework program.

Jump to another Success Story:

• Calibre Systems
• JDB Associates
• GeoConcepts