Thumbs up for teleworking
Nov 03 2003
A 2-year study has revealed that teleworkers generally feel they have a better quality of life and their employers benefit from improved performance and reduced absenteeism.
The study into the effectiveness of teleworking contradicts the popularly held idea that staff working from home would be less productive than their colleagues in the office. It also appears to benefit the homeworkers themselves, who experience improved personal relationships and feel healthier and happier and even get more involved with community activities.
Project coordinator Professor Peter James said: "The study reveals that teleworking can be an economically and socially sustainable method of working, with many benefits not only to employers, employees, families but also communities, because teleworkers have more time to become involved.
“The study has found some negative features, such as longer working hours for some employees or increased travel when cars are available at home rather than parked at an office. However, they can be reduced through good management and are usually outweighed by benefits.
James goes on to suggest that homeworkers develop skills such as the ability to manage their time better and act autonomously, which are “essential in tomorrow’s economy”.
The implications of the study’s findings will be discussed at 2 workshops on the 14 November. Visit www.sustel.org for more details.
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