Telecommuting is employment that involves employees working outside the office. Also, you can refer to telecommuting as working from home or place near homes like a co-working space or library. Employees use technology to connect with other workers and the employer. Telecommuting jobs are often available in industries such as marketing, customer services, publishing, sales, and marketing. Moreover, technology jobs such as programming can be done through telecommuting. Here are the pros and cons of telecommuting.
Pros
1. Cost-effective
Telecommuting lowers expenses including security, furniture, supplies, and property maintenance. According to the University of Stanford, firms can save $2000 per employee who works from home. In addition to that, employees can cut costs like fuel expenses.
2. Employers retain important workers
Telecommuting helps workers to be flexible from their locations. Most employers lose workers because of personal reasons like commuting from far locations. However, work from home help firms retains important employees. Additionally, workers can experience less fatigue and stress that comes from commuting. Henceforth, the work balance is sustained.
3. Flexible work
Telecommuting employees are more flexible in their work than other workers. They can even get three gigs and still be productive. This helps them to double up their savings. It is good to have more than one job especially when you live in more developed countries seeing the bills are costly.
4. Productive
Teleworkers are mostly engaged in their work. For this reason, they become more productive. They will continue to work despite sickness. Research carried out by the Society for Human Resource found that telecommuting is highly productive.
Cons
1. Insecurity issues
It is hard to maintain an efficient and safe network in a firm. Privacy is maybe compromised especially when teleworkers access information on the company’s network. Break of security can lead to inconveniences such as loss of personal information. Companies are advised to give employees company-based tools to prevent insecurities. Besides, employers can also get first and third party insurance. 1st party insurance covers records, expenses, and files while 3rd party insurance protects costs and settlement.
2. Compensation risks
Telecommuting changes the classification of employee’s compensation. For instance, a worker is working from vacation and gets injured while checking emails. It means employers may not be aware of the worker’s working conditions. Employers should set a step by setting guidelines for their remote workers. Let the employee read instructions carefully and sign up and agreement.
3. Work and household issues
It is not easy to telecommute as a parent when kids are at home. Children get confused you are changing from parent to profession in the same house. They will not understand how you work. Kids will always want to engage parents in their activities when they are at home. You will find it hard to dismiss kids yet they can see you at home.
4. Reduce creativity
Workers learn from one another when working in the same place. Furthermore, it is increased when you go out for coffee with your colleague. Telecommuting reduces creativity seeing that the employees are not collaborating.
5. Lack of socializing
Colleagues need to socialize to build support and trust. Individuals who work from home are not able to network and increase their circle of friends.
