The internet has introduced so many new ways for us to communicate with one another. From video and voice conferencing, to live chat interactions and social media. In addition, the number of devices that are internet-connected is allowing us to be found online almost at any time or any place. Regardless of the device you’re using, it only takes a few minutes to easily connect with almost anyone in the world.
As communication technology has advanced, so too has the way companies do business. More companies are starting to realize that many of their employees roles and responsibilities can just as easily be done from the comforts of their own home. This paradigm shift begs the question if telecommuting is becoming the future of business.
Not all companies are positioned to have their employees telecommute and not all employees are capable of it as well. Employees need to be self-starters and responsible in order for them to successfully work from home. If the employees spend more time surfing the web or fulfilling other personal needs instead of working, then they (and the company) won’t be successful.
If done right, telecommuting can be an incredible advantage in the world of business. Just like online stores can have an advantage over traditional brick-and-mortar storefronts, so too can telecommuting businesses have an advantage over a traditional business with office space. With a few exceptions, if a company hires hard-working, responsible, honest people, and relinquishes the tendency to micro-manage its employees, then it can telecommute.
If management can’t help but micro-manage its employees because of fears that productivity will suffer, consider for a moment how many interruptions happen throughout the day in an office. While some of those interruptions could be business-related, they still take up your time and distract you from completing your tasks. And we all know that starting a task is half the battle. We also know how easily one interruption can lead to another.
One of the biggest hurdles that most traditional businesses face is simply the willingness to try telecommuting. Many businesses might carry the attitude “if the business ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That’s certainly a justifiable position. But, that resembles a defensive-minded attitude. what they should be thinking about are the opportunities and benefits they might be missing out on, how much more their business could grow through telecommuting, and how many employees may actually prefer to work from home.
A recent study done by Stanford University has shown that employees who telecommute are more productive, more happy, and even less likely to quit. It’s true! Remember the adage “if you love something set it free?” Well, businesses, if you love your employees, let them try telecommuting. Even if it’s for a couple days each week. You, and they, might discover that telecommuting could do you both some good.
As more businesses prove that telecommuting can work, other businesses will be inclined to test it out and realize that home is gaining ground on the “office workspace” and soon becoming the future of business.
Surge is 100% a telecommuting company and we don’t try to hide this fact. We have offices throughout the U.S. that allow us to meet with clients and collaborate between teams when needed, but the vast majority of our work takes place right at home. With fewer interruptions.