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Americans like telecommuting. In 2017, 3.7 million U.S. employees worked from home at least half the time and 80-90% of the workforce would prefer to work from home if they could.
However, telecommuting isn't for everyone. Here are some of the costs and benefits of telecommuting:
Pro: Productivity Stays Up
Worker motivation arises as the key concern among employers. However, telecommuting can give staff more time to handle their work because they don't have to spend time on a commute. Also, they can avoid office distractions. Telecommuting may also empower the employee and allow them to become more self-directed. The flexibility of working from home can also reduce unscheduled absences. Many workers will work from home when sick, or when they have a family situation that requires them to stay home.
Con: Remote Workers May Feel Isolated
From office happy hours to team lunches, social events boost morale and collaboration. Telecommuters miss out on these activities and could feel less connected to their teams. Less face time with managers and coworkers can hinder communication and brainstorming.
Pro: Businesses Can Save Money
Some employees can save more than $4,000 a year telecommuting. Workers aren't the only ones who see cost reductions as a result of telecommuting. U.S. businesses save $11,000 annually per employee that telecommutes.
These savings include operational expenses like utilities and equipment. Also, your organization may take on fewer retention and hiring costs as telecommuters have an easier time with work-life balance.
Con: Morale May Decline
Joyce. E. A. Russell, Dean of the Villanova School of Business, writes in The Washington Post that morale concerns also apply to in-office workers. You must consider whether some staff will become less engaged if they can't work remotely but their peers can. Clear policies and guidelines around roles and tasks suited for telecommuting can help workers understand how an organization manages remote work.
Leaders must determine how the pros and cons work – or don’t – with their organizations, and then make decisions around telecommuting policies. Given the benefit's popularity, offering remote work opportunities can be a competitive edge for acquiring and retaining top talent.
However, telecommuting isn't for everyone. Here are some of the costs and benefits of telecommuting:
Pro: Productivity Stays Up
Worker motivation arises as the key concern among employers. However, telecommuting can give staff more time to handle their work because they don't have to spend time on a commute. Also, they can avoid office distractions. Telecommuting may also empower the employee and allow them to become more self-directed. The flexibility of working from home can also reduce unscheduled absences. Many workers will work from home when sick, or when they have a family situation that requires them to stay home.
Con: Remote Workers May Feel Isolated
From office happy hours to team lunches, social events boost morale and collaboration. Telecommuters miss out on these activities and could feel less connected to their teams. Less face time with managers and coworkers can hinder communication and brainstorming.
Pro: Businesses Can Save Money
Some employees can save more than $4,000 a year telecommuting. Workers aren't the only ones who see cost reductions as a result of telecommuting. U.S. businesses save $11,000 annually per employee that telecommutes.
These savings include operational expenses like utilities and equipment. Also, your organization may take on fewer retention and hiring costs as telecommuters have an easier time with work-life balance.
Con: Morale May Decline
Joyce. E. A. Russell, Dean of the Villanova School of Business, writes in The Washington Post that morale concerns also apply to in-office workers. You must consider whether some staff will become less engaged if they can't work remotely but their peers can. Clear policies and guidelines around roles and tasks suited for telecommuting can help workers understand how an organization manages remote work.
Leaders must determine how the pros and cons work – or don’t – with their organizations, and then make decisions around telecommuting policies. Given the benefit's popularity, offering remote work opportunities can be a competitive edge for acquiring and retaining top talent.
