Teleworking / Telecommuting
Teleworking
Teleworking is emerging as one of the fastest growing alternatives to commuting to work. Employers across the country are discovering that working from home saves time and money while reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.
Teleworking has also become a critical strategy for employers across the country to address emergency preparedness against natural disasters and acts of terrorism. Companies also employ teleworking to enhance worker productivity, improve morale, and cut costs associated with high office rents by assigning multiple workers to an office space.
Telework
Teleworkers/telecommuters work part-time or full-time, either from home or from smaller offices with communications access to the main workplace, but closer to the employee's homes. The term does not apply to home-based businesses, branch offices, or occupations in which there is no regular work location (e.g., truck drivers or airline pilots). The benefits of teleworking include reduced office space requirements, increased employee productivity, and a decreased use of sick leave.
Many employers find that these benefits easily offset the cost of supplying teleworkers with the necessary hardware and supplies. As part of Best Workplaces for Commuters, employers that choose to offer teleworking must ensure at least a 6 percent participation rate, on average.
Additional Information:
Telework document from the EPA
A Program of the
