Teleworking

Di Caterina Capitummino

TELEWORKING

Teleworking also called ‘telecommuting’ or ‘cybercommuting’ refers to the practice of working from home using information technology (IT). It is becoming more widespread. Many companies have already discovered the benefits of allowing staff to carry out their daily duties from the comfort of their own homes.

According to a recent survey by the International Labour Organisation, an increasing number of people, especially in industrialised countries, are e-workers. In some countries the number of e-workers is around 5% of the total workforce.

The advantaged are:

• You save traveling time and money
• You have more control over your work and other parts of your life
• You have no interruptions, gossip or office politics
• You can have an improved quality of life
• You have a greater opportunity for community involvement
• It’s good for the environment
• You can contribute to reduce heir pollution

The disadvantaged are:

• You need a high degree of personal motivation
• You need a space to work in
• You are more dependent on technology
• There is a potential lack of human contact
• You could be frozen out in office politic
• You can never escape from the office
• There is less distinction between work and home