The definition of telecommuting is basically any job where the need to commute in order to complete the job is reduced or eliminated via the use of the internet and related technology. In other words, the vast majority of work from home jobs fall under the definition of telecommuting. Many companies have taken an interest in increasing the use of technology and telecommunications because it is a simple and effective way to keep productivity while cutting down on expenses. Plus, as businesses look to expand into the global market, the two provide a wonderfully cost effective way of doing just that with neat and direct precision.
As technology evolves, so does the reliance on telecommuting. It is anything but uncommon to hear of companies getting rid of old and outdated processes once performed by a staff in favor of more cost effective measures. In the beginning, it was factory workers that found themselves out of a job when machines could do three times the work- and more meticulously. This upped a company's profits when they no longer had to pay an employee by the hour and furnish health insurance. It is now the same fate for office workers as telecommuting becomes more and more common.
While it is unfortunate that technology is replacing hardworking people, it still has not completely eliminated the need for the dedicated worker. While programming is a helpful tool and can do much automatically, technology still has its dependence on humans as well. The internet cannot run itself; and while everyone has had their experience with the cursed and maddening virtual phone operating system, at the end of it all, there is still a human voice at the end of the line that needs to be heard. Telecommuting has been a boon for companies needing to watch their bottom line and for people who need jobs that cut down on the expenses that keep them from getting a leg up.
For companies, the expenses of not having to rent out office space and afford an endless stream of office supplies are a couple of the top benefits of telecommuting. But for the average worker, working from home also offers its perks such as:
*reduction in childcare costs
*no more expensive commutes
*a relaxed informal work environment
*flexible scheduling and the chance to balance work life and home life
*no more workplace drama
*in some cases, the chance to work from just about anywhere there is an internet connection
The world has become more wired and it has already changed the way the average person lives on a daily basis. It is only fitting that it will shape the way we work as well. It will be interesting to see in the future how the home workplace evolves as well as more and more things become possible with technology. It has merged much of our abilities together and they continue to be fine-tuned on a very steady basis. Soon, instead of work from home jobs being the exception, before long telecommuting is likely to bring it into the norm.
