Benefits of Telecommuting
June 16, 2008
Telecommuting has recently been offered to me as an option vs having to drive to work every day with high gas prices. I’m seriously considering doing this but could you describe to me what the benefits of telecommuting really are? - Matthew in Los Angeles, CA
The benefits of telecommuting are far and wide especially when you consider how high gas prices have become. A telecommuter usually has the same workloads that their office colleagues have along with similar responsibilities. However, these people are able to perform their duties without having to make that daily drive to the office. This usually results in a situation where both parties come out ahead.
Along with being able to save a significant amount of money in gas, consider the amount of time saved from your daily commute. Many people who live in a suburban environment have an average drive of 45 minutes to and hour, to and from work and these extra couple hours can be used to increase your over all productivity. There is no dress code and instead of having to go out daily for lunch, telecommuters are able to eat meals at home and have the chance to eat family meals together more often.
This provides you with the ability to spend more quality time with family and friends and is great for new parents, giving them the option of taking care of their children at home vs having to take them to a daycare which can incur a significant expense. Telecommuting parents are more available for doctors appointments and school functions with fewer scheduling conflicts. The hours that are missed can easily be made up during the evening or on the weekend.
Imagine having an environment where you are not distracted from the typical hectic atmosphere of the office along with being able to avoid the office politics, gossip or distraction from your co-workers. However, the few drawbacks of telecommuting being isolated and the potential for procrastination which can lead to definite problems between you and your employer if not addressed carefully.
But so long as you can keep yourself motivated to complete your work, then these negatives aspects are kept to a minimum. A vast majority of workers find that the benefits of telecommuting far outweigh the bad. With being able to sleep in and work in your pajamas all day, save on gas and spend more time with your friends and family who could want anything more?