Does Telecommuting Hurt Employees?
New Survey Shows Workers are Conflicted When Deciding to Telecommute
Aug 24, 2008
For many people, their daily job requirements entail little more in the way of tools besides a computer and a high-speed internet connection. This technological streamlining of workflow has made it easier for employees to do their work from virtually anywhere and not be solely confined to the office. Therefore, it doesn't come as much of a surprise that employers are more willing to consider telecommuting as an alternate form of flexible work scheduling.
The Surge in Telecommuting Jobs
In a recent study conducted by The Dieringer Research Group for the International Telework Association (ITAC) and WorldatWork, the number of Americans who telecommute rose 30% to 45.1 million. Telecommuting offers more in the way of benefits besides the obvious: the ability to work from home, saving gas money previously consumed to travel to the office and home and being able to work in pajamas. By allowing employees the option to work in settings outside of the office, employers are also promoting increased job satisfaction and offering more flexible schedules to allow for family and personal pursuits.
More Employees are Apprehensive When it Comes to Telecommuting
For all the employees who view telecommuting as a blessing, there are an equal number that view it as a potential roadblock to future career success. A 2008 Steelcase survey indicates that only a third of employees who are eligible to telecommute actually do so. The reasons employees gave for declining to telecommute is the fear that it will hurt their careers, rob them of a promotion. Essentially, they believe that by not maintaining a constant physical presence in the office, they will be viewed by their employers are inferior workers.
How to Telecommute Successfully
It is possible to telecommute and still be taken seriously in the workplace. Here are some tips to get the best of boss worlds:
- Keep in touch with the boss when working offsite. To maintain a presence in the office when working from home, it is important to remain communicative with the boss via phone calls, email or an instant messaging application (AIM, Adium). Even if no problems arise while working outside the office, keeping in contact ensures that employees don't become out of sight, out of mind in the eyes of management.
- Maintain a balance between work and personal tasks while telecommuting. The temptation to perform personal tasks during scheduled telecommuting time is a common conflict for those who are new to working from home. It is important to create and enforce boundaries between personal and professional tasks during work time. Make sure that family members in the household know that telecommuting time equals work time.
- Keep telecommuting area as professional as possible. It's difficult to maintain a professional mindset when surrounded by the TV and the couch is in close proximity. However, it is important to make telecommuting space as career-focused as possible, and with minimal distractions. Have a clearly carved out niche for work and keep anything related to work in this area.
Becoming acclimated to working outside of the office is a big adjustment, especially for those who may be initially skeptical. However, telecommuting can be a great option for time-pressed employees, as well as an effective means by which employers can maximize productivity. By making a few adjustments, employees can telecommute without fear, and this benefits everyone.
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