Six Telecommuting Myths Debunked
Okay, management, this one's for you. If you've resisted your employees' pleas to work from home or you've reluctantly allowed it but think you're getting the short end of the stick, check out Web Worker Daily's post on challenging telework myths. See, bosses hate the idea of telework (a.k.a. telecommuting) because it relinquishes control and supervision of the employee. But, done right, it can lower office costs (because fewer resources are consumed), increase productivity, and boost employee happiness through the roof (because not having to commute to work every day is like winning the lottery). Here are a couple of specific telework myths, debunked:
Myth: It costs too much to set up computer equipment for teleworkers.Check out the other myths and see if you won't reconsider letting your team telecommute at least a few days a week. Still not convinced? Hit the comments and let us know why. Photo by ff137.
Reality: Teleworkers need a computer and a network connection. Office-based workers need office space (at rates per square foot that are going up all the time), furniture, office supplies, free sodas, parking spaces--Myth: Telecommuting represents an unacceptable security risk.
Reality: This is a solved problem. Standard-issue computers, remote management, and strong authentication products can all help keep telecommuters as safe as office workers. IT may have to learn some new tricks, but that's what you pay them for.