Back when a gallon of gasoline was under a dollar, telecommuting made sense. Now that it's at $4, why are so many companies still balking at this opportunity to help the planet, and put money in their employees pockets?
Many people are finding it increasingly difficult to pay for that hour-long commute. Telecommuting (at least part of the time) could help aleviate fuel expenses, and drive down the consumption of fossil fuels - two outstanding benefits which argue for working from home.
Employers need to understand how important this concept is for a healthy and sustainable environment, as well as for the economic viability of their employees. Establishing a telecommuting program and policy would be a win-win-win situation. The environment would get a respite from the tyranny of hydrocarbons, the employees would get a break for their pocket books, and the employer would almost certainly find that employee morale has improved, and productivity has increased.
Yes, studies have shown that employees who are allowed to telecommute often raise their output. This is partly due to the extra time saved by not having to drive to work, but also in part because, if done right, there are fewer interruptions.
To do it right, there has to be a proper space isolated from the rest of the household, a work environment that is comfortable and ergonomic, and a family mindset adjustment - "Just because I am at home, does not mean I am available for chores or chatting. I am at work until 5pm."
There are, and always will be, those who would take advantage of telecommuting (what's the old saying about messing up a free lunch?). The abusers would need to be reined in or let go. But rather than succumb to the fear of facing such an issue, companies need to express leadership and trust. They need to learn how to let go of the leash and empower their employees to partner with them in sustainability.
Many people are finding it increasingly difficult to pay for that hour-long commute. Telecommuting (at least part of the time) could help aleviate fuel expenses, and drive down the consumption of fossil fuels - two outstanding benefits which argue for working from home.
Employers need to understand how important this concept is for a healthy and sustainable environment, as well as for the economic viability of their employees. Establishing a telecommuting program and policy would be a win-win-win situation. The environment would get a respite from the tyranny of hydrocarbons, the employees would get a break for their pocket books, and the employer would almost certainly find that employee morale has improved, and productivity has increased.
Yes, studies have shown that employees who are allowed to telecommute often raise their output. This is partly due to the extra time saved by not having to drive to work, but also in part because, if done right, there are fewer interruptions.
To do it right, there has to be a proper space isolated from the rest of the household, a work environment that is comfortable and ergonomic, and a family mindset adjustment - "Just because I am at home, does not mean I am available for chores or chatting. I am at work until 5pm."
There are, and always will be, those who would take advantage of telecommuting (what's the old saying about messing up a free lunch?). The abusers would need to be reined in or let go. But rather than succumb to the fear of facing such an issue, companies need to express leadership and trust. They need to learn how to let go of the leash and empower their employees to partner with them in sustainability.
The time is overdue.
Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work. -- Aristotle
Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work. -- Aristotle
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1 comment:
Computerworld just published an article about telecommuting.
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