TECHNOLOGY NEWS & TIPS

Reasons for Small Businesses to Telecommute

July 2008 - An estimated 1.35 billion gallons of gasoline could be conserved annually if every U.S. worker with the ability to telecommute did so 1.6 days per week, according to a report released today by the American Electronics. That sounds great- but more importantly- this is how your business can benefit from a telecommute program.

Telecommuting can be utilized as a full-time solution, as an incentive to reward/retain/recruit employees, or used on an as needed basis (allowing employees remote access on sick/vacation days, over-time/weekend work, to meet deadlines, etc.).

The Benefits (from www.greenbiz.com)

• Increased employee productivity. Although many managers fear that working from home can lead to increased distractions, those who have tested telework programs have found the opposite to be true. Employees find that they can better concentrate on work without office distractions and background noise.
  
• Cost. Most businesses already have the equipment capable of providing their employees with secure remote access connections.
  
• Recruiting. Telework arrangements are the second-best recruiting inducement, after salary.
  
• Retention. It’s no secret that a long commute can be a significant source of stress. Reducing travel time often leads to improved employee attitudes -- and reduced sick leave and job turnover.
  
• Lower operating expenses. As office real-estate prices rise, telecommuting provides opportunities for significant savings, especially for small businesses that operate with narrow profit margins by freeing up office space and reducing the cost of office supplies and utilities.

Please contact a Data Troop Telecommute Specialist at 800-828-3184 for more information and to kick-start your office’s telecommute program. We are here to help you every step of the way- from planning to integration to support.