Telework Prospectus

Introduction:

Years ago, employees had to physically go into a work place to be able to perform their job duties. Today, with the available technology, many employees can perform their work duties without leaving the comfort of their homes. Telework (aka telecommuting) is when an employer provides the necessary equipment to the employee(s) to allow them to work from home. The US General Services Administration has asked employers to look into the plausibility of telework. They believe that telework provides the flexibility for employees to work more effectively and achieve a better work/life balance while reducing their impact on the environment.

Many employees are asking their employers for this capability because it would help the environment, help the employee economically and be better for their health in general. Employers would benefit because there would be less sick days used by the employee, less overhead costs, and satisfied productive employees which increases employee retention. However, there are concerns for employers with telework. Some concerns are security and productivity monitoring.

Problem Statement:

Employers are afraid that they will not to be able to effectively monitor employees output and has major security concerns when allowing employees to telework.

Research Questions:

What are the employers' benefits of allowing employees to telework?

What are the employees' benefits of being allowed to telework?

What are the community benefits of employers implementing telework?

What are the cost savings of telework?

Is there a way to effectively monitor remote employees?

Is there a way to implement security guidelines for remote employees?

Is there any more of a challenge to monitor remote employees versus in-house employees?

Are there software programs available to help secure remote work and to keep security concerns to a minimum?

Hypotheses:

Combining technology and employees with a way to work in a virtual team environment is very beneficial to both the employers and the employees. Teleworking is a way to save gasoline and reduce traffic congestion. Teleworking is a way to save employees on daycare costs and lower the amount of sick days used by the employees.

Autonomy will be used closely with telework. Autonomy is the responsibility the employee feels accountable for their work performance. If an employee values their job and wants to perform above par, they will perform well in the convenience of their own home and the flexibility telework gives