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3. Telecommuting Costs and Benefits Questions
A. Why would a company want to start a telecommuting program?
There are two main reasons for a company to begin a telecommuting program, but they can be combined in one answer: If done correctly, telecommuting can benefit both the employee and the company.
Employee satisfaction is the biggest benefit that telecommuting offers in most cases. Stress is reduced, work is more enjoyable and easier, and a new sense of loyalty is developed for their job. Telecommuting is often the employee's idea, and once they prove to their employer that it can be a productive situation for both parties involved, a sense of accomplishment is also developed. In general, the elimination of the daily commute and the sense of increased freedom to effectively complete projects increases employee satisfaction.
Telecommuting also provides nice rewards for employers as well. More often than not, employee productivity is increased. While this can be measured in many ways, most telecommuters would agree that because of their increased job satisfaction, and less distraction from the office, they are able to do more work in less time, and do it better. Companies also save money by allowing employees to telecommute, thus reducing travel costs in both time and money. [top]
B. Why doesn't everyone telecommute?
Quite simply, it's not for everyone. Some people enjoy driving to work. Others need the physical separation between work and home. And still others can't focus with the distractions a home-office provides. Many people find it easier to concentrate seated in their cubicle with daily office operations going on all around them. Others can't work effectively without having other people around them, even if they never talk to anyone else in the office. Some people just can't be alone for an entire day. In short, the list is endless. It all boils down to the fact that telecommuting isn't for everyone, and it's not suited for every job in every company. [top]
C. What equipment and/or office space should employers provide telecommuters when they are working at the corporate office?
This situation often causes problems because it may seem to other employees that the telecommuter is getting the best of both worlds. The most important, and most difficult, part of the problem is pleasing everyone. First of all, the telecommuter should feel welcome and part of the team when he/she is in the office. They should have adequate space to do the work that they are in the office to do, but should not impose on or interfere with any other employee's space. The most significant factor in a telecommuter's visit to the office is the sense of belonging. The telecommuter must feel appreciated and respected.
At the same time, the telecommuter should not appear to have any special privileges or opportunities that are not given to other employees, unless otherwise specified and agreed upon between the employees and the employer. The other employees must allow the telecommuter to be part of the team, but at the same time cannot be made to feel less important simply because they are traditional employees. [top]
D. Won't telecommuters feel lonely working by themselves?
The simple fact is that an employee could very easily feel lonely when working away from the office. Most of the time, telecommuting is the employee's idea, so they are the type of person that isn't bothered by working alone, and often times works better when alone. But, as with anything that is new, an employee may discover that they need the daily contact with the other people in the office. Telecommuting can't and doesn't work for everyone. And sometimes, even for those who like to telecommute, it does get a little bit lonely. Unfortunately, sometimes this is also something that can only be found out by actually trying it. Some people don't think about every aspect of telecommuting before they try it, which leads to unexpected findings such as, "I feel like everyone has forgotten about me." Most telecommuters welcome the time away from the office as a chance to complete their work quickly and thoroughly, and count on their time at the office as an opportunity to strengthen the social bonds that exist in good working relationships. Every situation is different, but the feeling of loneliness can be avoided by visiting the office on a regular basis, keeping in contact daily through phone, e-mail and videoconferencing, and educating employees interested in telecommuting about what an average day of work as a telecommuter entails. [top]
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