Business Doesn't Take Advantage of Telecommuting

Teleworking sounds like a win-win. It saves companies on expenses such as office space, equipment and supplies. And, because the average daily roundtrip commute covers 32 miles and takes an hour, it saves employees on transportation expenses, while setting aside more time for productivity. That said, while there has been growth in the overall number of regular telecommuters in the United States, only 2.5 percent of employees consider home their primary place of work, according to research compiled by the Telework Research Network. Why isn't it happening more frequently? Credit the resistance of managers who hold on to age-old concepts about staff productivity and accountability and the importance of working in an office. The truth remains: There are far more workers who have jobs that are compatible with telecommuting—and would like to at least give it a try—than those who actually do. So, if you're attempting to convince your bosses to implement teleworking, you may want to present them with the following 10 facts they may not know about telecommuting.