The Shadow Layoff!!! AT&T’s telework recall?

OK, here we go, “Biggest network provider (LEC) in the country, AT&T, recalls teleworkers, putting 10’000 employees BACK in their cubicles.” I know this has received lots of attention from critics, but let me pile on, please.

Put bluntly, either AT&T is looking to shed staff or the management is simply VERY MISGUIDED.

I wasn’t buying the second option. So, after some prodding some of my connections (yep, I’m another blogger with inside connections), I found there was more truth to the first idea than I thought. Because I am in the thick of this teleworking world, I know very well that the #2 benefit behind pay an employer can offer their employees is the option to work remotely 1-2 days a week. That said, if you planned on getting rid of a bunch of workers, but didn’t want to pay severance, what would you do? My bet is you would seriously consider taking away the biggest benefits and hope people left on their own.

Really, my hunch followed logical thought. But I was surprised first, that I might really be correct (not because I’m not smart but because it seemed just too in your face) and second that AT&T couldn’t better spin this one. Why would the # 1 network / SP trip up on this? Maybe they have their own “managed telecommute” in the works and are looking for a good set up story. But seriously, AT&T, you sell Voice and Data network services (more than any other company in the country) and you can’t realize how strategic telework is to the growth of a company like yours? Regardless the reasoning, what may be even scarier than a PR miss on behalf of the Communications behemoth is the fact that I have reason to believe there is merit to the press reporting that the corporate suits at AT&T are struggling internally with the idea that telework is of benefit to their own organization!!! So, the press release might actually be accurate in representing AT&T’s belief that they can’t manage remote workers.

All this said, outside of vital jobs being saved, if they are not trying to shed headcount, it sure sounds like another validation of a Managed Telecommute for businesses. I’ll keep on this one and sincerely appreciate you all reading my first blog. Thanks for the fodder AT&T. - richard grunburg

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