Telecommuting or telework is the concept of working from home
while being technologically connected to the workplace. Individuals
are connected to the workplace but have the flexibility to schedule
their workday at home.
There are many businesses that have promoted this to their
employees and find that it allows them to grow their business
without growing some of their operational costs. Businesses find
that with the promotion of telecommuting that they reduce rent or
lease costs, retain quality employees, and have higher
productivity. Businesses are able to pull from a more diverse
employee base and able to retain employees that may be located in
other areas.
Telecommuting allows employees to better balance
work and home life, to reduce commuting costs and to reduce job and commute
stress.
Studies have found that productivity, morale and overall
job satisfaction is higher among employees that telecommute.
Benefits to the community are a reduction in air pollution and
emissions as more and more employees take advantage of
telecommuting opportunities. It allows a community to better
conserve resources.
For employees:
Are you a candidate for
telecommuting?
1. Do you do the type of work that can be done from home? Are the
computer programs at work compatible with what you have on your
computer at home? The type of work you do may preclude you from
taking part in telecommuting.
2. Do you have computer equipment at home? Some companies will
provide equipment for their employees to work at home. If you own
your own equipment, it may be easier to persuade the company to let
you work from home.
3. What
are your reasons for wanting to telecommute? Do you want to get more sleep or
avoid annoying co-workers?
For business owners:
Could your business incorporate
telecommuting?
1.
Do you have employees who could do some or all of their work
off-site?
2.
Are you looking to expand your business but concerned about
operational costs (lease, utilities, etc.)?
3. Do you already have in your
personnel policies information about flextime or shared jobs?
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