Telecommuting

Due to the burgeoning home network market, many large and small enterprises are giving their employees the option of telecommuting. Telecommuting refers to using telecommunication and computer equipment to work from home while still being connected to the office. The home system must be able to connect to the company computer system to communicate with and transfer data to and from other employees. Enterprises whose employees must serve or greet the public (bank tellers, wait staff, office receptionists, and so on) are not candidates for telecommuting. Studies have shown that enterprises experience various benefits by allowing employees to telecommute, including productivity gains, lower employee turnover, and reduced costs for office space. One major disadvantage of telecommuting is the enterprise’s lack of direct supervision over a telecommuting employee’s workload. Telecommuters experience a variety benefits, including no commuting, flexible hours, more family time, and savings on car expenses (gas, tolls, parking, and so on) and work clothes. Disadvantages include the lack of social interaction and the difficulties of keeping the work and home environments separate. Societal benefits from telecommuting include fuel conservation and less air pollution.