Today, more companies are making use of web solutions to allow their employees to telecommute several days a week. While telecommuting can be beneficial for the employees, it is also beneficial for the organization as a whole, saving money in several areas. If you are contemplating the option of allowing employees to telecommute, consider the following to help you weigh the benefits against the costs.
Increased Productivity
Keeping your employees happy is one of the best ways to increase their productivity. It may seem unusual that telecommuting employees would be more productive in a home environment, but many companies that allow this have reported their employees are more effective at home when they aren’t surrounded by the distractions of the office, including chatty employees and overbearing supervisors who are always checking in. While being social at work is important to the effectiveness of your team, giving your employees a break from these distractions a couple times a week can create the perfect balance.
Flexibility
Flexibility is an important element when you are determining if you can allow your employees to telecommute through web solutions. When you allow your employees to work from their homes, they will be able to work at the times they are feeling the most productive. In addition, your employees will be able to better balance their home and work life, allowing them to take time out for appointments or other obligations without missing out on work time. However, it is important to remind employees telecommuting is not a way to avoid the use of daycare services for children.
Time Savings
Every day, your employees need to face a grueling commute to get in to the office. This wastes some of the time they could use productively in their lives or your business, putting stress on the employee. When you allow an employee to telecommute, you can eliminate this commute time, allowing your employees to save time, which can be better utilized. If you end up needing your employees to join in on a meeting, Onstream Media's conferencing solutions are available to keep everyone in the loop.
Reduce Overhead
One of the biggest drains on your bottom line is your overhead costs. Rent, utilities and various other costs all eat a chunk out of your profits. When you allow your employees to telecommute with the help of web solutions for your business, you will be able to decrease these overhead costs in several ways. If you allow a number of employees to telecommute a few days a week, they can all share office space. With the telecommunications solutions, you can reroute phone numbers, allowing each employee to use the space when they are in the office. In general, many businesses are able to save up to 30 percent on their overhead costs with telecommuting.
Reduced Turnover
Some employees love the ability to telecommute for their jobs. This makes your company attractive to employees, helping to attract employees and keep them at your business so you can experience reduced turnover. Another reason it is important for companies to be opening to telecommuting is some employees need this option for various personal reasons, including disabilities or relocation for a spouse’s job. When these employees are an asset to your company, it is in your best interest to at least consider this option.
Fewer Interruptions
When employees are ill, they are likely going to call in sick, putting your projects on hold. However, when you are able to offer conferencing options that allow them to telecommute, you will reduce the chances of interrupting your processes when people would otherwise be unable to come into work. Other interruptions, such as inclement weather, road construction or certain special events, can all be avoided when your employees are able to telecommute for their job when necessary.
Today, more companies are taking advantage of telecommuting and conferencing options for their employees. With all the advances in technology that make it easy to find web solutions for just about any process, it is time to evaluate the costs and benefits of allowing your employees to work from home. Onstream Media's industry leading solutions provide organizations with a wide variety of audio and web communications.
