Work at Home Education Center

What are the social and economic beneifits and drawbacks of TELEWORKING / TELECOMMUTING?

are there any benifits or drawbacks to teleworking/telecommuting from a social and economic view point. all help would be great.

Public Comments

1. So, you're sitting in your pajamas at the kitchen table while "attending" a staff meeting? Sounds great! So here are the BENEFITS--and these are from an employee's perspective:

Social: You may have flexibility in hours. If you feel like going out for coffee in mid-afternoon, some companies let you make up hours at night (but beware, others don't.)

Social: YOU choose your workplace, not your employer. Whether you choose to work surrounded by family or Starbuck's customers is often up to you.

Social: Less pollution and less reliance on foreign oil. Telecommuting is kinder to the environment.

Economic: Jammies don't cost nearly as much as a 3-piece suit.

Economic: No bus fares, parking fees. No extra wear on the car. Possibly lower car insurance.

Economic: No office pools, joint gifts for fellow workers. No need to go along with a group that's in the habit of buying expensive lunches.

Economic: No time wasted over the watercooler--and time is money!!

Economic: You may be able to write off (on your income tax) the costs for using part of your home for an office.

Here are the DRAWBACKS:

Social: No companions. Isn't it boring for just you and the cat?? Especially if your company requires you to sit there, 9-5.

Social: No team spirit when employees don't know each other.

Social: How can you suck up to a boss you don't really know?

Economic: Employees who are visible are more likely to get raises. "Invisible" employees are easier to pass over at pay raise time because the boss is not plagued with guilt at the sight of a "passed over" worker.

Economic: There may be lots of other expenses that are difficult to claim on a tax return, depending upon your employment status.

Economic: And speaking of employment status: if you're to telecommute but not as an employee--if you are to be a "contractor"--then check with an accountant before accepting the job. It can be expensive, tax-wise.

Economic: Telecommuting is not a favorite theme of commercial real estate agents or the owners of office buildings.

So that's my list. Hope it helps!