What is Telecommuting?

Telecommuting (sometimes also referred to a teleworking) simply refers to work from home (or wherever) and sending work via computer to the office.

Instead of commuting to/from work via, say, the bus or car, more and more people these days are opting to work at their computer at home.

With advances in modern communications technologies, many jobs can be effectively done remotely, with interaction with colleagues and supervisors/managers done online (ie via computer), video-conferencing and the telephone.

In addition to saving travel time for the worker (and assisting with issues such as work-life balance eg allowing the worker more time at home with family), advantages of telecommuniting include environmental sustainability.  That is, energy is saved in reduced use of fossil fuels for transport.

Another key advantage of telecommuting is that it can be very effective where time differences exist, eg across continents.  For example, a worker can submit work for comment/endorsement at the end if his/her working day to another person whose working day is commencing.  The response can then be received overnight and followed up on the next morning.