Teleworking is becoming a more prevalent incentive from employers for many reasons. For organizations offering a program to work from home, employees and businesses alike can benefit from a reduction in costs associated with telecommuting. Telecommunting programs can improve morale, encourage a work/life balance and be a great addition to a company’s benefits package.
According to The Teleworker (May, 2009), “Telework is a proven tool for recruiting and retaining top talent, cutting costs, improving productivity, and boosting employee morale.” Employees who have the opportunity to work from home are more productive because typical office interruptions are not present. It should be noted that not all employees want the opportunity to work from home, however. Some individuals may want face to face contact or simply prefer the office environment for work.
Teleworking Benefits
The benefits of telecommuting extend beyond the workplace and related productivity. Employees will save money on fuel, contribute to improved traffic, save on commuting time and help reduce air pollution caused by auto exhaust. People may save money on clothing as well, since there is no dress code for working from home.
Teleworkexchange.com posted the following excerpt on August 3, 2009, “Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Virginia teleworkers saved approximately $113,000, avoided driving 140,000 miles and removed 75.89 tons of pollutants from the air through participation in Telework Day on August 3, 2009”. The benefits of telecommuting to the environment and roadways are enormous and should be given a great deal of consideration. Companies will also save money on office space and utilities.
Telecommuting Considerations
Companies must have the proper technology in place to facilitate a program that allows employees to work from home. This includes solid security measures for access to all company resources. Employees will also need the proper technology and equipment at home to work effectively. Home workers should have a reliable connection to the internet as well.
Employers must have a clear policy for teleworking that is approved and supported by everyone at the management level or above. Employees must be given clear direction so there are no questions about hours to be worked, handling meetings and conference calls, how many days available for telecommuting and much more. The program can even be part of a company’s reward and recognition program. If the teleworking benefit is new, employers should consider a pilot program at first in order to work though any issues.
A teleworking program is a great incentive to add to the benefits package for many organizations. Companies that can create a great place to work will attract and retain top talent that can bolster business and improve employee productivity. Individuals are more likely to be attracted to businesses offering a telecommuting perk. With all the benefits that can be realized from instituting a program to work from home, companies would do well to start investigating now.
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