Should You Allow Your Technical Staff to Telecommute?

One of the advantages of an information technology job is that it can be performed anywhere there’s an Internet connection and a desk. But as an employer, should you allow your staff the flexibility of telecommuting? Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide:

Advantages:

  • Obviously, telecommuting is a great perk. Employees love being able to do it, and when your employees are happy, you’re more likely to retain them. (That means you don’t have to dedicate more time to recruiting and hiring for empty positions.)
  • It’s a great way to reduce overhead. Whether you allow a section of your employees to telecommute permanently, or even if you set up a rotation of telecommuting privileges, you need fewer desks and less square footage which translates to lower office rent.
  • Another advantage that may not spring to mind immediately is that telecommuting is green. Fewer cars on the road means fewer emissions to wear down the ozone layer. Many companies are striving to do better where the environment is concerned, and this is a great way to start.

Disadvantages:

  • One of the big disadvantages about telecommuting is that it can be much more difficult to track productivity. There are very few workers who can get things done without a structure, so you must create one. Time sheets, office-issued computers, or even something as simple as deadlines can be great tools to manage remotely.
  • It’s difficult to build a team when everyone isn’t in the same place. There is camaraderie in showing up to the same workplace every day, and when your employees aren’t tethered to that, they can quickly drift apart from each other. Make sure you schedule regular meetings or events to counteract this.
  • Communication is easier when it’s face to face. If you don’t believe this, just think about trying to solve your last office crisis through a series of emails rather than a verbal conversation. Many people find writing more difficult than talking, so keep this in mind if you allow your staff to telecommute. Consider finding a way to set up virtual meetings to avoid the issue.

Looking for more help with your IT staff, or maybe even looking to hire IT professionals? Contemporary Staffing has expertise in technical candidates, and we know how to find the right person for your company. Get in touch with us today!