The TEC Model assesses an organization's readiness for remote employees based on three factors: Technology, Education, and Communication. These factors support each other - people need education to use technology effectively, and technology allows effective communication. The model shows how an organization can ensure employees understand tools like Evernote or Dropbox by providing education on using the tools and clear communication about format and sharing documents. When communication, education, and technology are aligned, employees are prepared for remote work.
1. The TEC Model for Assessing
Organizational Readiness
for Remote Employees
2. Technology
Communication
Education
The TEC Model for Assessing Organizational Readiness
for Remote Employees
3. Technology
As the arrows indicate, Education supports
Technology to the same extent the Technology
supports Education.
• People need Education to fully understand
how to use Technology
• People need Technology to fully participate
in Education offered
Education
4. Example
Technology
Technology Supports Education
An organization chooses Evernote because
the leaders recognize they need a web-
based application to help employees stay
organized.
Education Supports Technology
Education about using the tool ensures
employees understand how to thoroughly
use the tool to maximize their own
effectiveness
Education
5. Technology
Communication
As the arrows indicate, Communication
supports Technology to the same extent the
Technology supports Education.
• People need to Communicate when and
how to use Technology
• People need Technology to Communicate
effectively.
6. Example
Technology
Communication
Technology Supports Communication
An organization chooses to use email for
daily communication and Dropbox for
shared documents.
Communication Supports Technology
Communications are sent to clarify
appropriate email format and how to label
modified documents in Dropbox.
7. Communication
Education
Communication and Education support
each other almost imperceptibly. Done
well, employees may not even notice the
design plan that has clear messaging
about ongoing communication as well as
thorough education about
communication best practices.
8. Example
Communication
Communication Supports Education
Employees receive a communication about an
Education upcoming training. The communication clearly
articulates the information needed to
participate in the class, including time/location
and where to find the pre-work and
supporting documents.
Education Supports Communication
The pre-work and supporting documents, as
well as the class structure, mirror the
recommended communication design of the
organization.
9. Technology
Communication
Education
The TEC Model for Assessing Organizational Readiness
for Remote Employees
10. The TEC Model for Assessing
Organizational Readiness
for Remote Employees