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Is telecommuting on a collision course with uncompromising business realities, or can working remotely still work to the benefit of employers and employees alike? Flexible work schedules and telecommuting are popular programs that can be very successful at helping employees find work-life balance, but it might not be right for everybody.
Some organizations might find employees who are constantly on the computer, and can easily telecommute. Other employees might have positions that require more face time with customers, both internally and externally, making it more difficult for them to work remotely.
According to a Pearl Meyer survey on workplace flexibility, roughly half of companies have formal telecommuting policies for some or all employees, and another 20 percent have informal policies.
Rebecca Toman, manager of survey operations for Pearl Meyer, recommended setting guidelines on telecommuting, rather than approaching the issue in an ad hoc or informal way. Different employees may have different reasons for wanting to work remotely, but they can all benefit from clear guidance under a formal policy that sets expectations regarding hours and other requirements for telecommuters, Toman said.