Whether you call it telecommuting or telework, employees working remotely is on the rise. According to the 2010 Census 10% of the American workforce reported working from home at least one day a week. Over the years the typical teleworker has evolved from being isolated to predominately low skill jobs to being implemented across industries, positions and income levels.
The ultimate win/win scenario, the benefits of telework are felt across the board by both the employee and the organization and include:
- Increased Time Available for Work – By eliminating their commute, employees have more time available to be productive and are able to eliminate the stress of commuting in rush hour traffic. In addition, employees who are able to work from home are less likely to use sick time for minor illnesses or inclement weather. This has a positive effect on the organization because it allows external impact to deadlines and deliverables to be avoided or minimized.
- Overhead Reductions – Organizations are able to reduce office space or avoid costly growing pains when the company expands headcount. Additional regional “offices” are able to be added without the burden of adding additional “brick and mortar” locations. Technology is bridging the gap between HQ and the home office with cloud computing and VOIP telephone systems. External customers and partners can communicate and work with employees on projects by dialing their extension or via email and never know where that employee is sitting at HQ or at home.
- Improved Employee Productivity – Working from home offers a quieter work environment and allows employees to avoid the endless interruptions at the office. Let’s face it, the water cooler effect can kill productivity but social aspects of work are important to employees. For local employees perhaps there’s something that can done to bridge the gap? For example, structuring positions that telecommute only two or three days per week thereby allowing employees to be more effective when at home, yet still maintain professional and social relationships at the office.
- Schedule Flexibility – People are most productive when they can schedule their work around their most productive periods and around the other demand in their lives (personal errands, running etc.)
- Improved Employee Retention and Attraction – Many potential employees have started to seek out telecommuting options when looking for their next employer. When filling an open position, this allows hiring managers to choose the candidate whose skills and experience are best suited for the job regardless of where they’re located.
No longer the exception, as more organizations are understanding and reaping the benefits of telework, telecommuting options are quickly becoming the rule.
The picture captures what a typical telework setup might entail. Our remote employee is using a company laptop, Avaya IP Office 4620 SW IP Phone, Plantronics AWH-55 Headset. “Charles Hudson”, that cat, wasn’t part of the telecomuting package but seems to enjoy his owner being home more just the same and has become a fixture in that home office!
Does your organization currently support telework? If you’re considering a telework policy for your organization, Teltek can help with the technology you’ll need to ensure your emaployees are connected regardless of where they’re working! Give us a call to discuss your needs and start taking advantage of the benefits of telework in your organization.
Teltek is a Certified Avaya Business Partner, NEC Dealer, and Microsoft Partner with two locations in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. We specialize in providing one call technology support for small to mid-sized businesses and nonprofits in Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia and Pennsylvania.