A Short Introduction To Telecommuting: Advantages And Disadvantages
69Although it's not a new concept, telecommuting still remains largely untapped and unexplored. The evidence lies in a simple Google search for the terms and resources available. I believe that telecommuting is an inevitable consequence and result of our changing society and globalisation. Outsourcing has become the name of the game for major companies and SoHo (Small office Home office) entrepreneurs are starting their own ventures by the day.
I will be writing a series of articles on the various aspects of telecommuting and how it is affecting our world and our lives. This is the first of those articles...
What is telecommuting?
Telecommuting or telework refers to the use of technology and modern telecommunications products (i.e. telephones, VOIP, and internet) to enable one to work from home, or any other place rather than the traditional workplace or office.
Advantages:
- You can work more flexible hours
- Work and childcare can be combined at home
- Costs and time saved from not commuting
- Employee satisfaction, freedom and fewer interruptions lead to higher productivity
- Stay with a company, even when they relocate
- Control your work/life balance leading to greater happiness and fulfilment
- Decrease in employee absenteeism
- Save on providing office and parking space to employees
- A greater possibility of expansion and easy outsoucing, which decreases running costs and increases growth and profits
- Decreased pressure for traffic system infrastructure
- Closer family and work environment
- Lower gas emissions and pollution from traffic
Disadvantages:
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Employees and businesses are heavily reliant on the functioning of telecommunications devices and services
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Decreased access to “real” face-to-face communication and personal interaction which may leave employees feeling lost, lonely or alienated
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A high level of trust is required between the business and its employees
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Employees may become easily distracted and find it difficult to draw a clear line between work and other responsibilities
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Decreased localisation of products and services in favour of globalisation and outsourcing (this has a series of its own long term pros and cons)
© Maja Dezulovic 2011
Related hubs:
- The Telecommuter's Philosophy and Characteristics
An article about the telecommuter's motto, philosophy and way of life. The characteristics of a telecommuter are also included. - What is Telecommuting-working from home
- Pros and Cons of Telecommuting
- What it Takes to be a Telecommuter and Work at Home
- The Bare Essentials For Effective Telecommuting
Most industry experts anticipate an upward trend in telecommuting and work-at-home jobs in the coming months and years. What are the bare essentials you will need to effectively telecommute?
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Hi. Thanks for commenting & sharing your view with us. I think working from home is definitely the way to go. I do most of my work at home but have to admit and agree with you that it is very easy to get distracted.
I just left Dish Network because of outsourching. When i would call for asst. they had a difficult time understanding English, plus i couldn't understand them. I am now with a company who has people in the US who help you. I know it's done to pay cheap labor. I can't remember if you read my hub, ' I'm as mad as an old wet Hen ? It'a a funny re-count of an actual event. I think it's wonderful when a person can work from their home, it's a totally different aspect. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers
@always exploring: I think it's a shame when companies ignore quality service and employees just to get cheaper labour. Some of them have really gone too far with outsoucing. I haven't seen your hub but will look for it now.
Hmm... I've actually thought of more disadvantages to add to the hub now. Thanks.
ProFreelance 11 months ago
Great hub. When I started working from home, I loved the "fewer interruptions" part! But that also meant I had to be more self-disciplined because some of those interruptions were prompting me on what I needed to do next. I've had a really good experience with it, though. My favorite advantage is the ten-second commute to the office!