Telework / Telecommuting

Defenitions

Teleworking

ANY form of substitution of information technologies (such as telecommunications and/or computers) for normal work-related travel; moving the work to the workers instead of moving the workers to work.

Telecommuting

Periodic work out of the principal office, one or more days per week, either at home, a client's site, or in a telework center; the partial or total substitution of information technologies for the commute to work. The emphasis here is on reduction or elimination of the daily commute to and from the workplace. Telecommuting is a form of teleworking.

Benefits & Advantages

Telework enables employers to:

• Operate effectivly during peak congestion periods caused by major regional events (e.g. political conventions), inclement weather or emergency situations
• Save money by avoiding the need to build or lease a larger facility
• Expand hiring opportunities
• Improve job satisfaction and retention of employees
• Reduce absenteeism
• Increase available parking space

For Employees

Telework enables employees to:

• Be more productive by avoiding time wasted during a congested commute to work
• Have a better work/life balance by spending less time on the road and more time with friends and family
• Live greener by reducing their carbon footprint
• Save money on gas and wear and tear on their vehicles

MITE - Midwest Institute for Telework Education

MITE helps public and private sector organizations move smoothly into a Telework environment by producing a variety of instruction manuals, conducting seminars and providing customized training for managers and employees.

JALA International

JALA provides a free, online, do-it-yourself home telework cost-benefit analysis tool. Use it to assess the costs and benefits of home-based teleworking /telecommuting from your own point of view and the point of view of your employer.