Laptops have been around in various forms, so having a form of portable computer power isn't a new thing. There are a few drawbacks, however, with laptops – limited battery life, so the need to travel with a cord, and some bulkiness.
Tablets are becoming more and more popular as well. With bigger screens than smart phones but less bulk than laptops, their biggest drawback is the on-screen keyboard that is sometimes hard to type on. But with Bluetooth keyboards available, even that limitation is losing its label of as a limitation.
Think about smart phones for a moment, though. These devices are capable of making calls, accessing the internet, running a variety of applications, taking high-quality photographs, shooting crisp video, and connecting with peripheral devices. You can even video conference. In a very real sense, these devices that we often take for granted allow us to do nearly anything, from nearly everywhere – all while fitting in your pocket.
Portable technology is the reason that more and more businesses are looking at the benefits of telecommuting.
Telecommuting, of course, is working from somewhere that is not the office. With the aforementioned technology, along with faster internet connections and new software like enterprise resource planning systems, telecommuting is easier than ever. A newspaper reporter, for example, could record interviews and take notes with their smart phone while out in the field, write all of their articles from home, and email them to the editor. Website designers, writers, customer service representatives, telemarketers, programmers, and hundreds of other professions are fully capable of working from locations outside the office thanks to modern technology.
What are the benefits of letting someone work outside the traditional structure?
Increased Productivity and Morale
Employees who are allowed to work on their own schedules or from their preferred locations are more productive. The feeling of freedom and control allows them to dedicate more energy to the job they're doing.
Employees who are allowed to telecommute also have better morale. They don’t arrive at work frustrated by traffic and lacking sleep from having to get up early to deal with that traffic.
Lower Turnover
Statistics show that businesses offering telecommuting have a lower turnover rate than businesses that don't.
Wider Talent Pool
Allowing telecommuting means you can hire people from any location with a steady internet connection – you aren’t limited to those within driving distance anymore.
Being Green
Telecommuting lowers your “carbon footprint.” With fewer employees driving to the office, you’re not only lowering traffic congestion, you’re releasing fewer toxins in the air.
These are some of the more obvious benefits of allowing employees to telecommute. For more information on getting the software you need to facilitate telecommuting, contact Oates & Company today.
