Telecommuting Home vs. Office

Telecommuting

Sandra used to drive an hour and a half through bumper-to-bumper traffic twice a day. Her daily commute to work left her tired both on the job and off, for time spent in traffic was stressful and unproductive. Furthermore, as a mother of two, Sandra had less time to spend with her children, who had to be sent to a daycare while they waited for her to come home. However, last year Sandra's company offered her an option: take a substantial cut in bonuses and benefits but be able to work from home. If she bought a computer and a fax machine, Sandra would be able to communicate with her supervisors and coworkers instantly, when necessary, without having to be physically present at the office. After weighing the pros and cons of the offer, Sandra decided to switch to telecommuting. Able to remain at home with the kids, moreover, Sandra saved money on daycare centers. Sandra's experience reflects those of many modern workers, who know first hand the differences between working at home and working in the office. Telecommuting and traditional in-office work entails different lifestyles, different employer-employee relations, and different financial implications.

Telecommuting transforms the lifestyles of those who switch from traditional in-office work. While telecommuting offers a flexible work schedule, most office jobs require strict adherence to a schedule. Telecommuters might have to perform the bulk of their work during business hours, but they are nevertheless free to organize and structure their days and weeks according to personal preference. On the other hand, employees in the office normally can't show up late, must take their lunch break at a certain time, and often need to structure their activities according to the desires of their supervisors. Furthermore, people who work from home can arrange their desks and work areas any way they like, and turn on the radio or watch the kids while they work. Office employees normally do not enjoy these types of freedoms. Therefore, telecommuting offers an improved quality of life in many cases.

However, working in the office also affords employers and employees benefits that are not enjoyed from the comforts of one's home. For example, many offices are also equipped with gyms and health facilities, while some home-based workers might find themselves becoming sedentary. Also, in-office jobs involve a considerable amount of social interactions. Many coworkers enjoy friendships outside of the office. On the other hand, telecommuters do not meet new people on the job or socialize with them afterwards. Not all interpersonal relationships benefit from working in the office, however. Working from the office usually involves a dominate/subordinate power structure between management and employees, while telecommuters act independently without a boss literally looking over their shoulder.