Telecommuting Today and Beyond  

For many of us, it’s hard to believe that telecommuting was not an option for workers in the not so distant past.  With workplaces decentralizing and rapid improvements in technology, today telecommuting has become an option for almost everyone. 

During the mid-1970s, as technology effectiveness increased and workers became aware of the benefits, telecommuting started to gain popularity and take hold.   

With the annual growth of telecommuting averaging 30% during the late 90s, telecommuting has become a common work alternative in the United States.  Reports vary, but some estimate that there are as many as 34.7 million U.S. households that do some form of telecommuting. 

With some of the lowest unemployment rates in history and increased demand for quality workers, telecommuting is receiving growing recognition and acceptance.

The advancement of technology has created dramatic changes in workplaces.  Virtual offices have become a reality.  Instantaneous communication and the decreasing cost of office equipment have made it easy for the telecommuter to work at home. 

In a recent study, 41% of “traditional workers” stated that they would like to spend half of their time telecommuting.

The increase in popularity and demand for telecommuting is linked to the numerous advantages for employer, employee and our society. 

One in four Fortune 1,000 Companies have employees who telecommute.  With telecommuting programs, corporations have reported an average productivity increase of 15%; an increase in quality of work; the ability to retain and recruit the best employees; a reduction of overhead costs; and an increase in employee morale. You can find telecommuting jobs here.

Employees are looking for the family friendly alternative that telecommuting and working at home can provide.  They recognize the ability to better balance career and family.  This leads to improved family life and an increase in participating in social and volunteer activities.  By telecommuting, workers are able to improve their quality of life. 

Many see telecommuting as a resolution to lurking societal problems.  Studies have shown that telecommuting provides a reduction in traffic congestion, air pollution and energy waste.  It improves the environment and helps reduce the need for roads and additional infrastructure. 

In addition to the family and societal benefits, studies show that telecommuters can expect to earn an average annual income of $51,000.  On average telecommuters work 19 hours per week at home. 

Statistics provide a glimpse at who is telecommuting.  The average telecommuter  is 40.2 years old.  The majority is married and almost half have children at home.  Telecommuters are predominantly white. 

While telecommuters work out of home offices throughout the United States, the highest proportions reside in the New England, Mountain and Pacific Regions. 

Studies show that, on average, telecommuters have larger homes.  Most feel that they have enough space to effectively work out of their home.  The most popular place for a home office is a spare bedroom.   

Most telecommuters list computer work as their main activity followed by telephoning and reading. 

Obviously, with the numerous advantages and growing popularity, telecommuting will continue to gain momentum throughout the 21^st Century.  Some forecasts predict that the United States will have as many as 40 million telecommuters by the end of 2010.   

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