Searching for a Better Commute

By Rachel Tanis

In this rough economic season there is little to be happy about when it comes to discussing the job market. However, the recent turn of events that have resulted in lay-offs and pink slips is proving to be a plus for the environment in some ways, and may just perhaps change the workplace as we know it.

If you have had to drive into work or school lately you may have noticed that traffic is lighter because less people are commuting. For some, it is because they don’t have a job to commute to, but for others it is because they have worked out a deal with their employers that allow them to work from home and save the company money.

Many employers, like Sprint and several universities across the nation, allow their employees to telecommute. This means that they can work from their home computers and fax or email work in to the office, host meetings via Web Ex or their web-cam, or even operate a telephone answering service from their home line.

For employers, they find that they are saving money on everything from office space to paper to electric bills to coffee and Styrofoam cups. Employees, on the other hand, are given more flexibility and save on dry-cleaning bills, gas and car costs and much more.

The savings are not insignificant for either party and have prompted a review of many company’s telecommuting policies. The trend began about a decade ago when working mother’s begged for their employers to offer either on-site daycare or telecommunication options.

Several months ago when energy costs skyrocketed, companies moved at a lightening-fast pace to accommodate telecommuting. The results have been mostly positive for both companies and employees, which begs the question of whether this trend will continue even after the economy recovers.

At your next job interview, or at your current place of employment, consider asking about the company’s telecommuting policies. The answer might surprise you!