Advantages and Disadvantages of Telecommuting

In today’s society, technology is everywhere.  Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) is a major part of the general population’s daily lives.  We are constantly being fed information from our phones, laptops, televisions; our cars today use computer systems and are becoming more advanced. As technology continues rapidly advancing, becoming more multifunctional, businesses and industries today even use CMC as a way to improve their productivity, influence people’s behaviors and attitude, inform people about their product, seek information, entertain and please people, and so on. 

                One of many strategies made possible by CMC, which is becoming an increasingly popular work option for businesses and industries, is telecommuting.  Telecommuting is a practice in which an employee works at a location that is remote from the actual business facility at which he or she is employed.  The employee makes contact only through forms of technology (phone, email, etc.).  Like with any method of doing something, there are pros and cons that come with telecommuting.

                Among numerous situations where employers and employees have found telecommuting advantageous, the Encyclopedia of Business cites some of the leading positive aspects.  An obvious advantage and a leading reason to why telecommuting has become so popular is that it is an efficient way to save money.  By having employees working at home rather than needing an office, employers spend a lot less money on things like office space, supplies, and staff parking, and so on.  This allows businesses to save money for more important company issues.  Another significant advantage made possible by telecommuting is employers are able to keep on valued staff members even if the employee is not able to live in the area of the business anymore.  Also, being able to work from home enables employees to minimize the number of personal days they take.  Telecommuting is great for employees who need to travel, keeping them in touch with what the employer needs. 

As you can see, there are many ways in which businesses have utilized telecommunication to their advantage.  Now, you will realize ways in which telecommuting can be negative.  One obvious risk of telecommuting is the employer’s lack of oversight.  When an employer cannot communicate with his employee, there is a risk that the two will not be in sync with the goal of the task given to the employee which can lead to greater problems in the future.  Along with lack of oversight, telecommuting also causes problems for web security, making businesses more vulnerable to viruses and hackers.  The most important disadvantage of telecommuting, from my perspective, is the loss of human interaction.  Taking a person out of the office and isolating him or her in her home can have a negative effect on someone’s motivation and their level of creativity. 

Telecommuting is a great tool when used appropriately.  The key is to mesh together both the human and technological aspects together.  One suggestion I found in my article is to create a telecommuting program, one which considers the proposals of telecommuting on a position-by-position basis, as opposed to any position.  Another useful tip for businesses using or considering telecommuting, is to set certain hours for the employee to be in office and set other hours to telecommute.  Finally, employers should try to recognize which employees can work away from the office and which need that office space in order to be most productive.    






Outside source: http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/small/Sm-Z/Telecommuting.html