Virtual Business Owners Community - FAQ Center
  • F.A.Q: Telecommuting / Telework

    This section contains questions and answers about the topic of Telecommuting / Telework

    1. What are some of the issues that teleworkers should be aware of?
    2. Can teleworking result in reduced use of sick leave?
    3. Are there statistics on the number of people telecommuting currently?
    4. How do I know if I'm a good fit for off-site telecommuting?
    5. What type of jobs or positions are appropriate for telecommuting?
    6. What type of equipment do I need to telecommute?
    7. What is telecommuting?
    1. What are some of the issues that teleworkers should be aware of? - Top

    Teleworkers should designate a work area for teleworking in their homes. A separate room provides greater privacy but is not necessarily required. Teleworkers must gain the trust and support of their families, coworkers, clients and managers. Teleworkers need to be aware of the tendency to work long hours and the need to take breaks. - Updated: April 21, 2005
    2. Can teleworking result in reduced use of sick leave? - Top

    Yes. An employee working in a regular office usually has to use half a day to get to the doctor or dentist appointment. A teleworker can take one or two hours and then return to work. In addition, often an employee that does not feel well enough to drive or whose child is sick may work some hours at home. - Updated: April 21, 2005
    3. Are there statistics on the number of people telecommuting currently? - Top

    According to the International Telework Association and Council and their research partner Dieringer Research Group estimates 44 million U.S. teleworkers in 2004, a 7.5% growth rate.

    Learn more by visiting:
    http://www.workingfromanywhere.org/
    - Updated: March 30, 2005
    4. How do I know if I'm a good fit for off-site telecommuting? - Top

    Individuals who are typically successful with off-site telecommuting are well-organized, able to work independently and require minimal supervision. Successful telecommuters have a high degree of job skill and knowledge and strong time management skills. Telecommuters also don’t mind working alone.
    - Updated: March 30, 2005
    5. What type of jobs or positions are appropriate for telecommuting? - Top

    Typically most “information-based” jobs are appropriate for telecommuting. Telecommuting is ideal for positions that require reading, writing, research, working with data and talking on the phone. While many positions may not seem appropriate at first, they can modified so that employees can telecommute, at least on a part-time basis. - Updated: March 30, 2005
    6. What type of equipment do I need to telecommute? - Top

    Telecommuting can be done with as little technology as a telephone, email, desktop or laptop computer, a piece of paper and/or a pen or may require software and other technologies. The amount and type of equipment will depend on the nature of the job and the frequency of telecommuting. - Updated: March 30, 2005
    7. What is telecommuting? - Top

    Telecommuting (often called telework) replaces travel to, from and for work with telecommunications technologies. It refers to working at a home office or remote off-site location on a full or part-time basis.

    Some employees telecommute only once or twice per week; others telework full-time and only go to the office occasionally. - Updated: March 30, 2005

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