Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
1.
Telework increases productivity.
A variety of studies have shown teleworkers have 10 to 43 percent more productivity
than on-site workers.
2.
Telework reduces absenteeism.
Teleworkers are less likely to miss work than someone coming into the office.
3.
Telework improves morale.
Employees who are teleworking have more freedom. It is easier for them to schedule
their work around their personal schedules. If they are working at home, they can
dress more casually.
4.
A company can recruit and retain more top employees.
For example, a company that allows telework can recruit employees who otherwise
would not be interested in the job because they are unable or unwilling to be
within commuting distance of the main office. Telework allows companies to retain
employees (such as mothers of young children) who would quit otherwise.
5.
Telework saves overhead.
With some of its workers away from the office, a company doesn't have to invest as
much of its resources in office space.
6.
Telework improves the resilience of a company.
Because not all the employees are in one place, the company is less likely to be
harmed by a natural disaster or a terrorist attack.
7.
Telework is good for the environment.
Teleworkers do not take part in the daily commute, which saves energy and reduces
pollution.
8.
Employees may save money by teleworking.
They may not have to purchase as much business attire, and they may be able to
avoid paying child care expenses.
DISADVANTAGES OF TELEWORK
Telework has its detractors, too. Here are some of the reasons most frequently given why
companies discourage or prohibit telework.
1.
Telework threatens the authority and control of managers.
When employees work at a distance from their managers, they naturally have more
autonomy. How can a manager manage an employee who is not around?
2.
Telework makes it impossible for an employee to have a face-to-face interaction with
customers at the company site.
For some jobs these interactions are crucial, meaning the job simply cannot be done
from a distance.
