Work/Life Balance

Telecommuting: A Win-Win for All

By Patrick Brueggeman, CPA, MBA

Companies around the world are continually trying to find creative ways to cut costs while still keeping their employees happy and motivated. At the same time, employees are struggling to balance the demands at work required to build a successful career with the desire to have happy, fulfilling personal lives. One solution that continues to gain momentum is telecommuting.

One of the major factors driving this trend is the amazing advances in technology that take place everyday. It was not that long ago that notebook computers were emerging as a novel way to work outside the traditional workspace. Now it is commonplace for employees to carry handheld devices and to have wireless networks and broadband connections in their own homes. These advances in technology allow them to stay in touch and perform their job functions in an efficient and rapid manner from wherever they are.

 How does all this technology actually save money? Yes, it is true that telecommuting requires an upfront investment in technology. However, this investment is more than offset by the savings that can be realized by reducing the amount real estate needed to run a successful organization. Companies that have embraced telecommuting as an option for employees have been able to reduce office space and related overhead costs. Companies that promote telecommuting also experience higher job satisfaction levels, which in turn leads to lower turnover costs. Many companies, including many in the public accounting arena, have experienced success by using a hotel system. A small amount of office space is established with the required phone and network connections, and is shared by telecommuting employees when they need to be in the office.

Employees are increasingly embracing the ability to telecommute. Many telecommuters are actually more efficient than they were in their commuting days. They can save time by not having to get themselves “ready” for work in the morning and, depending on their location relative to the office, even may save a great deal of time that would otherwise be spent commuting in traffic. Many employees also find they are more comfortable sitting in their own house than they are at a desk at the office. Being more relaxed allows thoughts and ideas to flow more freely, which can often lead to greater achievements. 

What does this mean to employees? Telecommuting is not without its challenges.   Not having office space to call their own can lead to feelings of isolation. It’s vital that these telecommuting employees find other ways to stay connected to their customers, peers and supervisors. These employees must also exercise a great deal discipline to ensure they stay focused and continue to deliver high-quality performance from their “virtual offices”. If this can be accomplished, employees can experience a very enjoyable, balanced work and personal life, while corporations can generate cost savings and reap the benefits of happy, productive employees.

Patrick Brueggeman, CPA, MBA is the manager of financial reporting systems at Tyco Healthcare Mallinckrodt and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the MSCPA. He personally enjoyed the experience of telecommuting immediately following the birth of his son Ben.