Dear Dr. G.: I was confronted yesterday by a group of my developers. They asked to be allowed to work from home. There does seem to be some merit to their request–with broadband connectivity, instant messaging, and Voice over Internet Protocol, I can't tell whether they are in their cubicles or at home. (I know this because one tricked me–my lead developer never came to work last Tuesday, and I didn't even know it.) So, what is your take on virtual employees? Do software developer/IT types really need to be present physically to do their jobs?

–Virtual Victor in Vancouver

Dear Vic: I applaud your honesty, but I must question your management skills. You need to get out of your palatial office a bit and mingle with the great unwashed masses. If you are not aware whether your lead developer is on site, the reverse also is true. Your staff is more than likely not aware of your presence–nor even influenced by it. Consider some management training. You have raised many interesting issues, however.