by Todd Pheifer

Created on: September 06, 2008

Telecommuting is increasingly popular in today's society. The idea of telecommuting is that people can work anytime and anywhere thanks to a variety of mobile technologies. This includes the Internet, email, and cell phones, which allow people in a variety of industries to work from a "home office", the local coffee shop, or just about anywhere where they can "get a signal" for their laptop. This work methodology has some problems and challenges, but there are also great benefits that make it very appealing to both people and organizations. Here are a few specific thoughts on the benefits associated with telecommuting in today's society.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

One of benefits of telecommuting is the work environment. Some people set up a "home office", while others rent a small space wherever they are most comfortable. Still others work from a variety of places such as coffee shops, parks, or other outside locations. Controlling your own space is a definitive benefit because it allows people to feel comfortable where they are. This allows some to be more productive. Of course, comfort has the potential of making people too relaxed, but this is something for the person and the organization to manage through expectations.

PEOPLE

While we are social creatures, it is nice to get away from people sometimes. The person who telecommutes is spared some of the irritations of working with people such as uncomfortable relationships and office politics. Granted, most telecommuters still have to work with people, but sometimes they can do it in smaller doses and they don't have to stress too much because they have to see "that person" every single day.

COST SAVINGS

There are also many cost savings through telecommuting, both for the person and for the organization. For one, the person saves on travel costs, which is particularly pertinent with the price of gas in today's society. Many telecommuters still travel, but usually that expense is covered by the company. The organization often saves money as well since setting up a home office is much more affordable than leasing a large building for a cadre of employees.

There are challenges to telecommuting, but it has many benefits for both the person and for the organization. The "office environment" can be a place of productivity for many, but it is also a place where some are never comfortable. The home office allows them to focus on their work and isolate themselves (in theory) from outside distractions. It is quite possible that telecommuting will continue to be a trend as we head into the future of commerce.

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