Why Telecommuting Is Good for Employers

Woman using laptop at home
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In order to convince your boss to let you telecommute, you might create a telecommuting proposal that emphasizes how you could effectively and highly productively do your job someplace other than the office. To be as persuasive as possible, your proposal should focus on what telecommuting could do for your employer, not for you.

Here are some general benefits to employers of allowing workers to telecommute, which most likely apply to your specific situation. And you can also probably come up with benefits that relate to your particular employer and job to make your case even more convincing.

Saving Money on Office Space

Call center companies have figured this out and have been actively recruiting people to work from home for years. Whole call center locations have been phased out and real estate and utility costs eliminated. Now, one person opting to work from home (particularly if it’s only a part-time telecommuting arrangement) may not save your company much, but if office space is tight at your company, this argument could have some sway. And you might start a trend that would save significant space if it really catches on among your colleagues.

Free Telecommuting Tools

Think Skype, GotoMeeting, and Google Docs to start, but there are so many free apps that are useful in telecommuting. And in addition to the many, many free collaborative tools, a lot of companies have already built the technical infrastructure, such as VPNs (virtual private networks) or SharePoint servers, that were needed to accommodate workers at home in the event of an emergency at the workplace. And while that wasn’t free, putting it to use as a telecommuter will not likely add any cost.

Environmental and Mental Health Benefits

One less commuter means a lower volume of greenhouse gases going into the environment. While this isn't a point that will affect the bottom line at most companies, firms that market themselves as “green” or eco-friendly may indeed see the environmental value of telecommuting as a persuasive point.

Companies that offer commuting-related perks, like free parking or discounts on public transit, will, in fact, see a positive effect on their bottom line when employees work from home.

An employer may also be persuaded that a worker who commutes from the bedroom to the home office (or maybe even just from the bed to the desk in the bedroom) will be a happier and more beneficial employee than one whose nerves are rattled after being stuck in traffic.

Lower Employee Turnover

Telecommuting is a perk that employees won’t give up without a lot of consideration. The increased job satisfaction that comes with the independence this arrangement inspires will also help keep employees from leaving, sometimes even when better compensation is available elsewhere.

Working a More Flexible Schedule

This could be your most convincing argument, but you should be careful what you promise on this. The lack of a commute can make workers more likely to be available in early-morning or late-evening hours. However, you don't want to leave yourself open to being on call 24/7.