Archive for the ‘Broadband’ Category
Broadband and the Benefits of Telecommuting
The Internet and broadband connections have brought us convenience, access to media and information, and instant communications with family, friends, co-workers, and experts ready to answer our every question. For many, it has also meant an end to the daily commute. Telecommuting has become quite common over the last two decades, helping to reduce traffic, air pollution, and the usage of gasoline.
In April of 2008, the American Electronics Association released a report which estimated that as many as 45 million Americans telecommute at least one day every week. For these workers, not only do they save on gas and the expense of traveling in to the office, but they also turn wasted commuting time into either additional work hours or more leisure time to be spent with their families.
For the company that allows telecommuting, the benefits are also profound. Reduced need for office space, higher retention rates of employees, and even reduced difficulty in recruiting new employees have all been linked to telecommuting. These benefits translate directly to bottom-line savings for the company. The use of secure connections such as the Virtual Private Network connection, ensures that company data is protected while employees are working from home.
Another benefit of broadband technology is the business meeting. Using online meeting services, employees from remote parts of the country can gather together in a video conference, retaining much of the benefit of a face to face meeting without incurring the expense of travelling. Documents and other graphics can easily be shared among the virtual attendees with these online meeting services, eliminating the need for paper handouts.
As these technologies and practices become more widespread, we all benefit by reducing damage to the environment. The EPA estimates that saving 1.35 billion gallons of gasoline each year would reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 26 billion pounds. That’s a lot of gas, but not coincidentally, it is exactly the amount that the American Electronics Association estimates would be saved if every American who could telecommute, did telecommute an average of 1.6 days per week or just over 3 days every two weeks.
Of course, there are some organizational issues that develop with telecommuting. Telecommuting workers must be disciplined self-starters who can be productive without constant supervision. Likewise, managers with telecommuting employees, must be confident of their ability to manage at a distance. Both parties need to take advantage of electronic communications and limited time in office to maximize important communications and provide feedback.
Most experts agree that workers who would like their companies to institute a telecommuting program need to do some basic research first. Companies are more likely to be swayed by data which shows a financial saving for the company instead of the benefits that it provide for the worker. Focus on higher productivity, for example, instead of a better work-life balance. Use available statistics and case studies that show in detail how other companies have benefitted and how your company will benefit as well. Perhaps, most importantly, provide for some measure of accountability to prove that the benefits have been realized after a specific period of time.
Remember, when you convince your employer to allow telecommuting, you’re not only doing favors for yourself and your company, but for the environment as well.