Is telecommuting right for your employees? What telecommuting pros and cons are there? We live in an age where computers are used to perform tasks for a growing number of positions. The Internet can instantly connect anyone anywhere. Lots of businesses are wrestling with the concept of permitting employees to work from home. Many employees are quick to support the concept. However, the nontraditional technique of telecommuting is foreign to many companies. This leaves them feeling uneasy about how it will impact their operation.
There is no definitive response regarding whether telecommuting will be good or bad for your company. Elements such as business environment, type of work and individual workers may influence the choice. Many variables can affect the success or failure of staff members working from home. Hence, you need to look at the circumstances on a case-by-case basis. So, here are the telecommuting pros and cons.
Telecommuting Pros and Cons ~ Benefits
In the best circumstances, telecommuting can have a variety of potential advantages for both your company and its employees:
Fewer sick days
Employees operating from home have little direct contact with coworkers. So, they will be less likely to catch a cold or flu that might be going around. Even if a work-at-home staffer is ill, they will probably remain productive since they do not have to come into the office. Fewer sick employees means lower overall operating expense and higher efficiency for your organization.
Bring in and maintain staff members
Studies have shown that a bulk of workers prefer the alternative of telecommuting. This tends to boost morale and job satisfaction of current workers. Also, it can be valuable when recruiting new employees. Working with and maintaining the very best employees will help you save time and money on training. And more seasoned employees tend to have fewer injuries, contributing to lower workers’ compensation premiums.
Space saver
If you wish to add staff however do not have space, telecommuting can save you. Fewer workers and less costly devices means not just lower energy and upkeep expenses, but also lower insurance premiums.
Eliminating the commute
Commuting back and forth to the office is a big block of wasted time. Telecommuting turns that waste into time that staff members can invest working. Not commuting means companies no longer need to deal with tardiness caused by traffic accidents and weather conditions. Getting rid of the commute decreases the possibility for accidents in company cars. With fewer automobiles on the road every day and less accidents on your company’s record, car premium expenses will fall.
Telecommuting Pros and Cons ~ Prospective Risks
While there are many advantages, telecommuting has some potential risks that you must consider prior to allowing it:
Security
The basis of telecommuting is making use of the Internet. You need to keep your businesses network and data protected. When a worker is at the office, his or her work is secured by safety standards. Nevertheless, a telecommuter may not have the exact same safety measures in place. Make certain staff members are provided with adequate security software. You also want to make sure to have the correct protection, such as a cyber liability policy.
Limited staff member guidance
One of the leading reasons companies aren’t sure of allowing telecommuting is the inability to keep track of their productivity. In addition, another substantial problem is the ease in which a worker can make fraudulent workers’ compensation claims. When injuries at home take place, there is no one to verify if the employee was working or was doing something around the house. If employees make fraudulent workers’ compensation claims, policy premiums can increase. In general, telecommuting scenarios blur the line between what is and what is not compensable under employees’ compensation laws.
Limited face-to-face time
Employees working from home are not as connected with the culture of your company. Physically not being present for a conference or discussion can be an added headache for those operating in the workplace. Employees working from home might have a harder time being recognized for promotions or other professional development. This might result in lower morale, and, again, issues with worker retention.
Equipment expenses
There is equipment that an employee will require to work from home, particularly a computer and an Internet connection. They might also require other devices to help them communicate with their fellow staff members. If the employee does not already have these things, the business will be required to spend money for them. Therefore, you must include these expenses to the logistics of maintaining and repairing IT devices. Be aware though that this can be a considerable investment for a business thinking about telecommuting.
Stop Problems Before They Start
If you allow staff members to telecommute, make sure you set up a recognized program to minimize the dangers. Decide on what kinds of positions will be open to telecommuting. Then, provide information detailing what is expected of workers when it concerns performance and time usage. Be sure to institute security requirements that will keep sensitive company information safe at home offices. Having standards in place will support your policy of telecommuting. But will not let it disrupt your business or cause increased liabilities and expenses.
After reading about telecommuting pros and cons, you might still be wondering, “Is Telecommuting Right for Your Employees?”. TPG Insurance Services is here for you. Feel free to contact us by simply calling 909.466.7876 today and receive assistance. Also, don’t forget to check out our Professional Liability Insurance information to protect your business and the workers you care about!
