Telecommuting is on the rise.  How one internet marketing and web development company enjoys the benefits and handles the challenges of working from a home office.

The Internet is everywhere, and there is no doubt that it is changing the way we live, the way we socialize, and the way we work.  And many companies, ApogeeINVENT included, exist BECAUSE of the Internet.  Not just because our products are Web-based products, but also because of our web-based team.

ApogeeInvent is a virtual company, building products for the virtual world, and run by a virtual office.   How do we operate successfully from 15 different states, 5 different time zones, and 20+ different cities? 

A self-motivated team, good communication, and excellent (in-house built) software is the answer.

Without any physical locations, the ApogeeINVENT team logs in every day from our custom project management system called Radius-360. Hours are meticulously logged, with careful notes for each task. Projects each have their own page, containing details covering everything from client contact information to work logs, tasking system, and project assets (like documents, notes, etc.).

Task numbers and projects are tracked and coordinated by Account Managers, who meet each morning with accounting and the Project Manager so priorities can be adjusted daily and itemized billing is possible.

Daily conference calls for all teams, Development, Design, and Project Management, are a must. Though these meetings can get tedious, it is how the teams collaborate, stay on task, and keep one another motivated.

Each team member is also required to be logged into instant messaging while they are on the clock, so they can be reached by any other team member instantly. Group chats are set up for specific topics or teams. 

ApogeeINVENT also builds its own software to solve other issues, such as ScreenCap.It, which is a simple screen capture software that makes sharing easy for the team.  1ty.me, self-destructing, highly encrypted note sharing software, was built to allow the secure sharing of passwords and other confidential information between team members and clients.

So what are the pros and cons of working on and managing a team that all work from home? I thought I'd let the team speak for itself:

ApogeeINVENT: Saving the environment, one commuter at a time! No costly commute or office energy bills.

Cindy, Account Manager:  I Love working from home! I don't worry about the weather or traffic going to and from work anymore. The only drawback is I tend to eat, breathe and sleep work now. lol

Kevin, Account Manager: Working from home is the best thing since sliced bread.  I avoid commute, I am in a comfortable and personalized environment.  I am able to focus well because I do not have a bunch of people bugging me all day (I have been the go to guy in every job I have ever worked, so very nice in that regard.)  In short, I love it.   

ApogeeINVENT: Work / Life balance "“ Work is an important part of everyone's life, they don't have to be at odds! Working from home may require you to "Ëœtake work home with you', but it also lets you incorporate work into your daily life, and life into your work.  We WANT our people to make work an important and enriching part of their lives!

Jason, Developer: I have a love hate relationship with working at home.  The flexible hours are great when I need it, which is usually quite often.  It saves money with commuting time, and keeps my family's expenses down to one car.  However, not having an office to go to does change the dynamic of the home space to one of a business too.  Which means I always take work home with me.

Ben, Developer: It's so much more efficient. I don't have the time or cost of a commute. Lunch breaks can be ten or fifteen minutes instead of an hour. If I'm not in the right mindset to write code, I can go do something productive rather than be stuck playing solitaire in an office. If I'm working on a conceptual task, I can think it over in the shower or while raking leaves. I don't have to iron a shirt every morning. All of that time saved really adds up and lets me spend more time with friends and family.

Phillip, Senior Developer: I really love working from home. I am able to be here for my kids whenever and wherever I want.

ApogeeINVENT: Working from home is not for everyone. But it does help us weed out the less-motivated, the easily distracted, or the employees with poor work ethics. They don't last long in a self-motivated, less supervised environment.

Dwight Calwhite, President: I have been working from home for 6.5 years now and I feel like it is an area where I am constantly improving my habits. Working from home isn't easy. It requires mental fortitude to get up every day and be efficient and productive when nobody is looking over your shoulder. I find that the keys to successfully working from home are: setting a strict schedule, having a morning routine, coffee, and dressing like you would at an office.

ApogeeINVENT:  Not a morning person? Not a problem! Work in your pajamas, and you don't even have to brush your teeth (although we recommend doing it for your own health).

Shannon, Designer:  I love working at home, and actually prefer it. Having no defined work hours, per se, is something I also prefer, especially since I am not a morning person and prefer to work at night a lot when possible.

ApogeeINVENT:  Space can be an issue, but not an insurmountable obstacle. After all, it couldn't be worse than a claustrophobic cubicle.

Nelson, Developer:  I really like being able to work from home, though my kids get a bit confused at times. My current home is not arranged in such a way that I can have a separate office, but I've made it work so far.

ApogeeINVENT: Live where you want, the office is always just a few steps away. And the virtual office, just a phone call. We can recruit, and retain, the best of the best!

Kimberly, Designer:  I love it! It's especially helpful now that I have a son, but still need to help provide income for my family. There aren't many viable options to work outside the home where I live, so this arrangement has saved my life (and bank account!)

Lindsey, Vice President: Perfect fit for my lifestyle. I have a daughter that I can spend extra time with, and a husband whose job takes us all over the country. I can keep working, through each move, seamlessly.

Andrew, Lead Developer: I enjoy the flexible work schedule that we have but with a family it's not easy to stay on task when working from home. Thankfully, I have the option to work with Joe (the CEO) every weekday in his home in American Falls.

 

We want to be a place where people enjoy working. That is one of our core company values.  Allowing our people to work from home (or share an office, as some do) means we can be flexible with work times, accommodate different geographical locations, and not be stingy with vacation or time off requests.

As a result, our people can make their vocation a meaningful part of their lives, NOT something they suffer through day after day. And rather than being abused, this freedom and flexibility fosters creativity, loyalty, and enjoyment that can't be bought.