RE: Should I furnish computer?

Subject: RE: Should I furnish computer?
From: "David B. Stewart" <dbstewart -at- dswrite -dot- com>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Wed, 6 Jun 2001 08:26:44 -0500

>Why shouldn't a tech writer get a computer with the necessary software
loaded?<

The situation is not limited to tech writers. Such items are limited by
budget and many departments fail to plan for telecommuter expenses. Some
companies actually restrict remote/home PCs claiming data security reasons
of all data being company property and should not leave company premises.

Writers are frequently at the bottom of the budget chain, so why should
anyone be surprised that equipment would be a problem? Why should the
poster _realistically_ expect more? If the budget isn't there for the
writer, it certainly will not be there for systems to support the writer.
Laptops, phones, and such are often considered perks. As such, they are not
always available for all positions.

Management opinions are mixed about work-at-home and use of home PCs. In
the US, OSHA muddied the waters in 1999 claiming companies were liable for
compliance of home offices to meet OSHA standards of safety and
accessibility (space, equipment, etc. - a major expense and insurance
liability). Fortunately, that position was rescinded by OSHA in January,
2000. I suspect some US companies are still under the assumption that the
OSHA regs still apply.

If a contractor, the tech writer needs to specify technology requirements in
the contract. If a full-time employee, the writer must work within the
company bureaucracy to justify business case, budget, etc. for necessary
systems and software.

Regards,
Dave Stewart


-----Original Message-----
From: bounce-techwr-l-71190 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
[mailto:bounce-techwr-l-71190 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com]On Behalf Of
mclm -at- ncode -dot- co -dot- uk
Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2001 3:26 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: RE: Should I furnish computer?


I can't believe some of the responses to this thread! I have previously
worked from home for several companies and the situation is pretty clear as
far as I can see.
Be sure to get this sorted out at interview time:

* The company should provide all hardware and software (as it does for all
other employees).
* The company should cover all telecom requirements (as it does for all
other employees).

Why should the poster accept inferior terms compared with the rest of the
company? Sales staff, for example, routinely get laptops, software, mobile
phones, company cars, expenses etc. to do their job. Why shouldn't a tech
writer get a computer with the necessary software loaded?

Michael.


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References:
RE: Should I furnish computer?: From: mclm

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