What Is Telecommuting?
According to the National Science Foundation, 21 percent of employers allow employees to telecommute. Telecommuting is working from home. While telecommuting may require special software or an additional phone line, it also saves on commuting to work. More than 17.2 million people were working from home in 2008. The majority are only allowed to telecommute part-time.
Other People Are Reading
-
Benefit 1: Employer Savings
-
Employers that allow telecommuting have savings such as lower rent, since they need a smaller space, and lower utility bills.
Benefit 2: Increase in Employee Morale
-
By working at home, some employers have found that their employees are more productive. Employers have also experienced reduced turnover and absenteeism.
-
Benefit 3: Increased Flexibility
-
Companies and employees both benefit from great flexibility. Employers can use employees where they need them, when they need them, instead of having them at work at times that do not fit their industry. For example, a West Coast company with East Coast customers might need employees on the clock at 5 a.m., not 5 p.m., and telecommuting facilitates that flexibility.
Benefit 4: Larger Pool of Employees and Employers
-
Employers and employees have more global possibilities by telecommuting. People at home can potentially work for more employers, and companies are not limited to a local pool of employees. Employees and employers thus have more options.
Benefits 5: Family Life
-
Telecommuting allows parents to be home with sick children without having to call in or find a sitter. With such flexibility, employees also can be at home for more family meals and events.
Warning
-
Depending on the type of company and its flexibility, working at home can be a lonely venture. Employees may feel out of touch with those in the office.
-
