Some types of businesses and employee positions lend themselves to telecommuting and can result in happier and more productive employees and a healthier bottom line for companies.
It is not uncommon for metropolitan office workers to spend ten hours a week commuting. In an era of increased “green” awareness, telecommuting, where possible, makes good business and ecological sense.
Some employees are better candidates for telecommuting than others. For example, an employee who is most productive and energized when surrounded by colleagues would probably not be happy as a full time telecommuter. On the other hand, an independent self-starter who produces timely work and has good writing skills may be a good candidate for telecommuting.
Companies may find employee telecommuting to be a good temporary solution for events such as moving a business, remodeling of facilities, growth spurts, or physical destruction of the work site.
Many businesses who utilize telecommuting find teamwork and employee loyalty benefits from periodic on-site meetings or work days. If on-site days are staggered, the work space can be shared by several employees.
Advanced planning and written policies need to cover areas such as company security, computer technology, appropriate positions, performance measurements, and reward systems for telecommuting to succeed.
‘The Power of Partial Telecommuting’
http://gamasutra.com/features/20060727/higgins_02.shtml#l
by Dan Higgins provides insightful thoughts on successful telecommuting.
Inc. Technology
http://technology.inc.com/security/articles/200107/23013.html
offers network technology advice.
Credit Union Business
http://www.creditunionbusiness.com/html/feature2.html
discusses how credit unions implemented telecommuting.