Telecommuting’s Powerful Benefits

Telecommuting is becoming a mainstay in America. Today, more than 34 million Americans telecommute on an occasional basis at the least. It’s a number that is expected to swell beyond 60 million by 2014.

Recent growth in telecommuting came amid recession and mass layoffs. The movement has largely been fueled by employers’ desires to cut costs, an emphasis on being environmentally friendly, and the increasing availability of high-speed Internet connections at the homes of employees. The paradigm shift has a wide array of advantages, including higher productivity and access to a wider labor pool.

Security is a concern related with telecommuting that must be noted by employers and employees alike. Our Knowledge Network contains several helpful documents pertaining to telecommuting. Be sure to check out our IT checklist for managers making sure they cover all their bases – including security — when making telecommuting arrangements and our Telecommuting Calculator for maximizing telecommuting savings opportunities.

Telecommuting technology has been available for years and has become much more reliable with time. While it may not be for everyone, the future of telework appears bright.

Companies can save money on real estate costs due to a reduction in office space needs and associated facilities costs.

There is plenty of evidence that telecommuters in many job categories are more productive working at home.

Telecommuting offers geographic, socioeconomic and cultural diversity that would otherwise not be possible.

Telecommuters can be located anywhere, making it easier to recruit for hard-to-fill positions.

Because it reduces the number of cars on the road, telecommuting is a green business practice that reduces a company’s carbon footprint.