Telecommuting and the Mobile Worker

Telecommuting and the Mobile Worker

CIS 336

Telecommuting and the Mobile Worker

Telecommuting or in short teleworking, is the act of working from a remote location, usually an individual’s home. Teleworkers still have access to all files and folders on the company’s network just as they would if they were sitting at their desk. This is accomplished by using various technologies such as a telephone, fax machine and the internet. Many teleworkers have access to join web conference calls, allowing them to sit in on office meetings via modem and webcam. In most cases, the company provides the hardware equipment needed, the teleworker has to provide an office space free of distraction. Teleworking has a huge impact on employees, employers, their families and the environment.

Being able to telecommute could potentially reduce fuel consumption, air and water pollution, traffic jams and vehicular accidents, which would help conserve energy in a major way. Harmful toxins and harsh chemicals are dispersed into the air by means of vehicle travel daily, so allowing employees to work from home one day a week can make a huge difference on a global scale. Having fewer drivers on the road is an example of Green computing which decreases overhead cost and destruction to the environment. Employees spend innumerable amounts to time socializing with co-workers. Employees are able to start the workday sooner because they do not have to spend time commuting long distances to and from work, which makes them happier. This improves employee morale, which has positive effects on productivity.

Since companies only need to provide access to software applications and not the hardware components, they are lowering their operational cost significantly. Working from home can help employees attain a healthier work and life balance; however, employees can complicate their process by not providing a physical separation between work and home. Homeworkers may forget to take breaks or, may not be organized and able to end their workday on time. Telecommuting also allows people with disabilities to work from home with ease. When they get the option to work out of their home, they are able to have access to all the medical equipment that accommodates their disability while working in the comforts of their own homes. They also have greater flexibility for medical appointments. Businesses should have polices accessible to all employees, so that everyone is on the same page in the event of a disaster. They should invest in cloud-computing software, which makes it possible to keep service interruptions to a bare minimum. For example, if your office is no longer accessible, staff can keep working on their existing projects at home from their own devices. Each employee’s laptop should be set up with the company’s approved security software, approved firewalls and multiple levels of authentication such as a two-pin process. Telecommuting presents advantages and disadvantages to IT managers. First, businesses can save thousands on office space and parking for each employee that works remotely, which it makes it cost effective; therefore future growth would not be limited by available office space. It reduces call outs and helps maintain operations because, teleworkers can still work when there is bad weather, when children are home sick or during school closings. On-site workers would have to take a personal or sick day. Being able to telework allows employees to be productive because there are fewer distractions, minimal socializing, and less stress, which definitely contributes to a better work product and satisfaction. Teleworking is a great selling point when recruiting new employees. Teleworking reduces turnover, for example, when employees are unhappy with their commutes, they might be more willing to call in sick. They may even look for another position closer to their home that will allow them to work remotely and then quit. Many employers are generally concerned and do not want to allow teleworking; they feel it will limit their ability to supervise their workers efficiently. They are concerned that a small portion will slack off and not be productive. Employers are concerned that telecommuters will neglect to protect the company’s sensitive data effectively. They may walk away from the computer and leave them unlocked because no one is around.

Poor communication is another drawback for telecommuters and their employers. sometimes find that a work-from-home arrangement handicaps their ability to stay in touch, especially if they have different expectations about what constitutes healthy communication. Communication should always be an issue that is addressed ahead of time, preferably in a signed, telecommuter agreement.

coordination of work

on the other hand, it could also make it more challenging.

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