Teleworking has been gaining traction due to its many benefits for employers and employees alike. For instance, it can reduce the costs of running a business \u2013 companies could save up to $11,000 annually for each employee that works half-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you hear the word \u2018telework\u2019, you might think it entails working on your telephone. Well, it’s more than that. As more and more businesses continue to embrace the work-from-home model, business owners have realized that flexibility essentially improves employee performance and productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The idea of teleworking has transformed how employees and employers engage, collaborate, and communicate. Thanks to the rapid advancement in technology, organizations can now manage distributed teams more efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teleworking is a term that describes working from a location away from your regular office, using information and communication technologies. In other words, it’s when an employee or employer works from home or at an off-site location instead of commuting to the office. Teleworking is different from a situation where employees take work home with them or where the employee works mainly off-site, like a sales representative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A teleworker is an employee who uses communication tools, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer, to carry out their duties from a remote location. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The terms teleworking and telecommuting are often used interchangeably. However, they are not exactly the same. Teleworking refers to working at a distance from your office. It has a wider concept than telecommuting. Jack Nilles, co-founder and president of JALA describes it this way: “teleworking moves the work to workers instead of moving the workers to work.” Teleworking is also known as virtual work, mobile employment, flexible arrangement, or remote work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You are a teleworker if you have to regularly commute to and from a worksite, but outside the employer\u2019s premises. If you’re a teleworker, you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Telecommuting, on the other hand, describes working from home. It is a form of teleworking, which involves periodic work out of your employer\u2019s office a few times a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its main emphasis is to reduce the daily commute to and from the workplace. If you’re a telecommuter, you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In today\u2019s workplace, telecommuting and teleworking mean the same thing, and it is common to see organizations using the two terms interchangeably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not all jobs can be performed remotely. Some require face-to-face interactions or in-person presence. Such positions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some common examples of teleworking positions are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A teleworking arrangement offers many benefits to employees and employers alike. If your organization is yet to introduce teleworking or telecommuting, you could approach your employer<\/a> to check if it\u2019s a concept they\u2019d like to try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When working from home, you don\u2019t have to get up early to beat the morning traffic. Your workstation is just a few meters away. Consequently, you can do your tasks more effectively since your focus is at peak level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Commuting to work daily not only wastes time but also costs a lot of money. You need to factor in fuel costs every month, and the daily traffic only makes matters worse since you\u2019ll use more gas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, you get the chance to enjoy homemade meals, which are healthier and more cost effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Working from the comfort of your home can be quite convenient. Everything you need, whether it’s wine, snacks, amenities, the couch, or a peaceful environment, are right at your fingertips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of convenience; with teleworking, you don\u2019t have to relocate for a job<\/a>. Since you can get things done with only your laptop, smartphone, and internet, you can virtually work from any location, anywhere in the world. This increases opportunities for work-life balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Working remotely affords you the flexibility that working in-office doesn’t. For starters, you can schedule working hours that suit you the most. If you’re a morning person, you can wake up early, finish your tasks and projects, and take the afternoon off. This allows you to attend to other things that you wouldn\u2019t have time for with a 9-5 job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having the freedom to set your own time for work can eliminate the stress of being micromanaged by your supervisor or manager. Plus, with no need to commute, you have one less thing to worry about. With reduced stress, work flexibility, and convenience, you can become more productive at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remote working has become a top employee recruiting and retaining factor in today\u2019s competitive job market. Employees prefer working for a company that affords them the flexibility of scheduling rather than being tied to their desks all day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s particularly attractive to working parents who want to spend ample time caring for their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Teleworking gives organizations access to an unlimited talent pool. Companies offering teleworking opportunities to employees attract a wider pool of top-performing workers than companies that don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Renting a traditional workspace in an urban area costs a lot of money, not to mention investing in state-of-the-art technology and ergonomic furniture. When you shift to teleworking, you don\u2019t need all these. As a result, you end up saving thousands of dollars each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBenefits of Teleworking to Employees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Less Commuting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Reduced Costs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Convenience<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Flexibility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Less Stress<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of Teleworking to Employers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Increases Employee Retention<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Encourages Talent Diversity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Saves the Company Money<\/h4>\n\n\n\n