As employers are seeking more ways to reward committed employees, telecommuting in the workplace is becoming more of a trend amongst employers today. Telecommuting is defined as a work arrangement in which employees are able to work outside of the traditional workplace via telecommunication devices. This work arrangement offers the flexibility to employees work hours, location, and replaces the daily commute to a central workplace. This new trend is on the fast pace and growing rapidly amongst large companies everywhere. “According to one study, telecommuting has been growing at 15% a year since 1990 in North America. 80% of Fortune 1000 companies are likely to introduce it within the next two to three years” (Smith, 2007). This growth can be contributed to the advancements in technology and the need for employers to attract new talented employees. “A tight job market, the fierce competition for talent, and the record high turnover among associates are several reasons why many executives see telecommuting as a benefit to entice new recruits”(Green, Lopez, & Kepner, 2007). Employers should offer telecommuting as a reward to deserving employees because it can result in increased job productivity, better employee morale, and flexibility to the employee.
Telecommuting is not a reward that every employee should be offered and that every employee can benefit from. Employees that demonstrate company commitment and good work ethics should be offered telecommuting rewards. Employees that are trustworthy, dependable, leaders in the workplace, and disciplined workers would show the best promise of succeeding in telecommuting. “Successful telecommuters are self-starters who have proven their ability to do the job well with minimal supervision” (Green, Lopez, & Kepner, 2 ...