What Is Telecommuting?

Also called teleworking, this workstyle is one that allows employees to work at home at least one day per week by linking their home office to their employer’s office via telephone lines attached to a computer modem, fax machine, and telephone. According to a study by Find/SVP, a market research company, there were 4-million telecommuters in 1990, 11-million telecommuters today and it is projected that by the year 2000, there will be 14-million telecommuters. If you would like to be one of them, we’ve got the information and resources to help you make that happen.

Who Is Telecommuting...And What Do They Think?

Two major surveys were conducted for Telecommute America week in October, 1997. The results show that those already telecommuting are extremely happy with their jobs. Telecommute America, a public-private effort launched in 1995 to promote awareness and understanding of telecommuting and telework arrangements, asked telecommuters what it would take for them to give up their jobs. There were two responses: "double my pay" and “nothing would make me give it up.” A full two-thirds of the respondents would not change the way they work at home. These telecommuters see themselves as organized professionals, independent-minded who productively use the time they save commuting by spending more time with their family.

In contrast with their office counterparts, one-third of telecommuters work barefoot. Only 15% always wear shoes while they work. 53% were women, and 56% were between the ages of 35 and 49. Most of been telecommuting for 7 years. 60% reported that they didn’t feel any more isolated working at home.

How To Convince Your Employer To Let You Telecommute

One in four Fortune 1,000 companies now have employees who telecommute. Because it is an employees market, employers are using telecommuting as a benefit to attract employees. According to a survey by KMPG Peat Marwick, large companies are more likely to have telecommuters. 53% of these companies found increased productivity and job satisfaction among employees. They also enjoy lower real estate costs and a employee turnover rate that is reduced by 30%.

Before you can make a case for telecommuting, you must anticipate your employer's reaction. You also must think of the potential benefits for your employer. Then, it is time to prepare a written telecommuting proposal. Do not emphasize how telecommuting will help you. Write this proposal from the employer's point of view. Consider the following points when preparing your proposal:

• How will you assure your employer that you will be productive and that you aren't making the proposal so that you can take care of your children?
• Designate times you will be working at home and hours when you can be reached by phone.
• Emphasize that telecommuting saves the company money on real estate, overhead, heating and electricity costs. It also can help the company comply with the Clean Air Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act.
• Don't ask for a formal telecommuting policy. Ask for a temporary trial.
• Once your proposal is accepted, rewrite the acceptance into a telecommuting agreement to avoid future misunderstandings.

Points to Include In A Telecommuting Agreement