Quiz: Is telecommuting for you?

Working remotely isn't for everyone. Are you lobbying to telecommute one or more days a week for the looser dress code (read "spend the day in PJs or sweats") or for the added autonomy? Take this quiz and find out if you are well suited to work away from the office and can be a productive and effective telecommuter.

1. When working remotely, you often have to rely on written words to communicate with others. Which of the following methods should you use to help resolve potential misunderstandings?

A. Use emoticons in e-mail or instant messaging (IM) messages to communicate your underlying emotions.
B. Use the phone to talk through the issue.
C. Use formatting (such as bold and colored fonts as well as uppercase) in e-mail or IM messages to identify the critical information and issues discussed in your communication.
D. All of the above.

2. For which of the following situations is telecommuting a good option?

A. You have a minor illness such as a cold or an injury such as a twisted ankle.
B. Your child's daycare is closed for the next week and you were unable to find a substitute babysitter.
C. You have a report due by the end of the day tomorrow and could work on it better and longer by not having to commute in to the office.
D. You have a meeting-free day and need to run personal errands.
E. Both A and C.

3. Which equipment must you have to be a successful telecommuter?

A. A computer.
B. Dedicated space with some privacy
C. Internet access.
D. Communication tools (such as an IM program or the phone).
E. All of the above.

4. Which communication mechanism should you use when you need to get a quick answer to a short question from a specific co-worker?

A. Send an e-mail message.
B. Post a message to your team's Meeting Workspace site.
C. Initiate an online meeting.
D. Send an instant message after checking the availability status of your co-worker.

5. Which of the following is not considered to be a benefit of telecommuting from a management point of view?

A. Increase worker productivity.
B. Help employee retention by supporting better work/life balance.
C. Raise employee visibility.
D. Reduce corporate real-estate costs.