Telecommuting is an evolving technological revolution which offers an array of benefits to the employers, employees and also the society as a whole. Its popularity is increasing significantly in this fast-paced business world. Though there are concerns about implementation issues, growing interest in telecommuting can make it an efficient workplace alternative. Successful telecommuting facilitates improving the productivity of the employees due to the flexibility it offers. A recent study by International Telework Association and Council, a nonprofit organization that promotes telecommuting, indicates that about 45 million Americans worked from home in 2005. Though this concept has been in vogue in many countries, it is still in the nascent stage in India and seems to have brighter prospects.
Improvement in technology has brought about revolutionary changes at the workplace. Telecommuting or teleworking, as it is sometimes referred to, is a flexible work arrangement whereby the employee does work from a location other than the workplace, typically from the home. It is working from a remote place, i.e., by using computers, telephones, facsimiles and other equipment. Global technology has been making rapid strides and off site workplace is fast emerging as a business reality. Technology has made the process of communication much easier and swifter. Cutting edge technology helps to bridge communication gaps in a way that mankind had never imagined.
Telecommuting is one of the modern ways to effectively and efficiently communicate from one's home to the workplace. It is described as the "practice of establishing, developing and maintaining successful off-site business practices." Increasing competition among firms is forcing companies to adopt policies that will help them retain employees and given them an edge over their competitors. |
