So you want to work at home?
Here's how to convince your boss
by Karen Millard
Now the benefits.
Benefit #1: Telework reduces absenteeism.
In a study released in 1999, the International Telework Association and Council (I.T.A.C) concluded that healthy employees often miss work due to family and personal obligations that can only be met during the business day. Teleworkers are still able to get some work done, even on days when they have appointments to attend. Employers can save 63% of the cost of absenteeism per teleworking employee, or $2086 per employee per year.
Benefit #2: Telework increases productivity.
The I.T.A.C study reported an average productivity increase of 22% per day worked at home.
Other studies show equally positive results: American Express teleworkers produce 43% more business than on-site workers; Compaq reported productivity increases ranging from 15 - 45%; JDEdwards teleworkers are 20 - 25% more productive than JDEdwards office workers and AT&T teleworkers work five more hours at home than AT&T office workers.
Benefit #3: Telework increases employee retention.
A key concept of telework is the ability to better balance work and family life. It's an option more and more employees are demanding. A telework arrangement allows the organization to increase employee satisfaction, morale and productivity.
The I.T.A.C survey concluded that for every teleworker retained by the organization, the employer avoids a cost of replacing that employee of $7920 per worker.
Benefit #4: Telework saves money. Lots of it.
There are other cost savings too. Make sure your boss knows about them. Telework, according to PC Magazine, can cut corporate real estate costs by 25 - 90%. IBM US reportedly cut their costs by 40 - 60% and AT&T has saved approximately $550 million since 1991 by eliminating or consolidating office space no longer needed.
Next Page: The proposal.
