Telecommuting

10 Pages 2495 Words

TELECOMMUTING WITHIN A COMPANY
Telecommuting (or telework) is a growing interest within American businesses. Robbins and Coulter (2002) states, “Telecommuting is a job approach in which employees work at home and are linked to the workplace by computer and modem”(p. 444). It is a growing interest among American employees and businesses for a number of reasons. Kistner (2002) states, “For some, it’s all about improving the work/life balance or employee management. For others, it’s about cutting expenses, lessening traffic congestion, improving the environment or heightening national security”(p.24). For whatever reason, many American businesses are considering telecommuting as a means of increasing productivity and the output levels of their employees.
With computer use at an all time high it would not be a difficult task for any organization to implement telework within a company. Telecommuting can be a very tempting and effective idea, but it is not a program that is fit for every employee, every job, or every company. Telework would be fairly easy to implement, but there are many challenges that come along with the package. Both management and employees face challenges with telecommuting, but the rewards offset those challenges. In addition, there are many procedures an organization should follow when implementing telework within a company. These procedures can prove to be vital in making the telework program a success. Telecommuting could be a highly successful program within an organization if the rewards, challenges, and implementation of the program is coordinated the correct way.

Who Should Telecommute
Telecommuting does have certain benefits for employees, management, and the organization as a whole, but it is not fit for every employee or every job. When distinguishing the employees who should from the employees who should not telecommute management should
follow four steps that include:
1. Create a task...