Quick Tips: Workplace flexibility faces backlash

Regina Lewis, Special for Paste BN | USATODAY

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Recently several companies like Yahoo and Best Buy have limited work-at-home options
Getting face time with the boss can be beneficial
Know the norm for your workplace and adjust accordingly

In fashion when something is "in" it's deemed "the new black." In the workplace a new CEO or set of circumstances can determine what's in and what's out.

Melissa Mayer, the former Google executive and current CEO of Yahoo, made waves when she recently restricted work-at-home options. With a single e-mail, things got less flexible. A premium was placed on being in the building.

Mayer may have set a new trend. Soon after, Best Buy adjusted its flexible work program by requiring manager approval. They also emphasized the value of having their 4,000 non-store employees in the office as much as possible.

So, what cues can you take from these recent corporate moves?

1. Face time matters. Bucking the trend can stall or derail your career, so accept the fact that the current climate may not be as flexible as it used to be. Get "face time" any way you can: Commute with a colleague; volunteer for a management program; demonstrate initiative. Whatever you do, don't be invisible.

2. Turnarounds are tough. They require, in the words of a Best Buy spokesperson, "all hands on deck." You've got to be up for that.

3. Remember you "get to do this" vs. "have to do this" when it comes to work. It is, after all, voluntary. One veteran HR executive has a great line: "All the easy jobs are gone."

4. Know the norm. If you are part of a distributed team — meaning everyone in the group works remotely and contributes to a project — working remotely may be the norm. On the flip side, if your whole team is in the office and you're not, it can be a tremendous liability.

5. Make exceptions. Working at home one or two days a week if the terms are pre-negotiated or every once in awhile if you have personal matters to tend to, may be fine with your employer and colleagues. If you're a manager, be willing to make exceptions for your staff.

It seems telecommuting may be falling out of fashion in some quarters. Your best bet may be to stay ahead of the curve and err on the side of showing up in-person.

See more on this debate with Regina Lewis.

Regina Lewis is a national television contributor and host of Paste BN's "Money Quick Tips" videos. Follow her on Twitter: @ReginaLewis.

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