Home | Business News | Browse by Publication | D | Doors and Hardware

The benefits and pitfalls of transcommuting.

Article Excerpt
ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY--EMAIL, THE INTERNET, WIRELESS communication, and fax machines--have revolutionized the workplace and forever changed the way we do business. These same technology tools have also made it possible for employees to "telecommute," or work from locations other than their main office.

There are benefits and pitfalls associated with telecommuting. Some of the benefits associated with telecommuting include enhancement of quality of life; productivity and efficiency increases; recruitment and retention of employees; reduced need for office space; reduced absenteeism, traffic congestion and pollution; and increased business continuity and contingency plans during disasters or closures. However, with the benefits also come some legal and business pitfalls. Most of the pitfalls can be minimized, if not eliminated, by the development of a well-planned telecommuting program. Even if your company already permits telecommuting but does not have a formal policy, it is prudent to implement a formal policy as opposed to letting informal telecommuting continue. In addition to a formal policy, it may be wise to develop an agreement with telecommuting employees which clearly sets forth the arrangement.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

What is Telecommuting?

Telecommuting, or "remote work," "off-site work," or "home-based work," is commuting to work via communications technology. Telecommuting is permitting employees to carry out their work wherever it is beneficial for the employer and employee--the employee's home, satellite office, or customer site.

Telecommuting should be a privilege rather than a right. It is not intended to permit employees to have time to work at other jobs or run their own businesses, and in most circumstances, telecommuting is not to be used as a substitute for child...