Recently, Frédéric Lefebvre, the current Secretary of State for Trade, has presented an action plan to develop telecommuting in France. According to him, it represents an innovative concept endowed with many opportunities for both employees and employers. In France, the concept remains marginal - only 9% of employees work in this way - while the European average reaches 18%, becoming a fashionable trend.
Telecommuting, what an intriguing concept to consider! Indeed, at first glance, it seems to be very interesting to get one’s pay without leaving home, but let’s weigh the pros and the cons of this phenomenon from an employee standpoint.
What’s telecommuting?
It consists in working from a remote location, usually one’s home or within a telecottage. This kind of work is possible thanks to the use of various telecommunication technologies such as telephone, fax machine and the internet. Telecommuting should be carried out during normal working hours and can be either full- time or part- time jobs. Most telecommuters are self- employed workers but telecommuting is experiencing an increasing number of employees.
Telecommuting jobs are not only those concerned with computer programs. They can also be found in several fields including research, customer service, journalism, marketing, and accounting among other things.
A concept with a lot of benefits.
First of all, say goodbye to traffic jams, and save yourself some time and stress! Don’t be concerned about tense work environments anymore.
Telecommuting is the key solution to avoid some daily problems such as confrontations with unpleasant colleagues, transport, and delays at work for example. Even if you don’t want to work at home, you’re free to choose premises near your home within a reasonable travelling distance.
Telecommuting also helps to reconcile a greater balance between working life and privacy. Indeed, you’re given the opportunity to work in an environment that suits you best. For example, it could represent an ideal way for a mother to have both children and a career without jeopardizing one aspect for the other.
Furthermore, thanks to more flexible hours, you can organize your activities as you think best. Thus, you benefit from a greater autonomy by working far from your employer. You are therefore judged on your results rather than on your working time.
Telecommuting has the great advantage of increasing productivity as well. Indeed, working at home means fewer interruptions because of your colleagues, less noise, and a comfortable workplace among others. Telecommuting is suited for those who need peace and quiet to concentrate.
The other side of the coin.
In spite of its numerous assets, telecommuting is a double edged sword, with many drawbacks.
Indeed, it often goes hand in hand with loneliness and exclusion. People who work at home are excluded and “kept in the dark”. Being thus a telecommuter carries the risk of being “out of the loop”. Some may feel isolated from the social aspect of an office space since it’s difficult to participate in the office politics, meetings, and projects among others things.
Telecommuting can also rythme with confusion between working life and privacy, especially if you work at home. The propensity to overwork could appear which can lead to a blurring of boundaries between these two different worlds.
Besides, you have to be wary of any distractions which can interfere with your thoughts. Being at home, you tend to be easily inattentive and procrastinated. Taking a nap, watching TV, or walking the dog are many reasons among others to put off your tasks at a later time. You need to be self-disciplined and independent enough to work on your own.
Consequently, as interesting as the concept sounds, telecommuting is not for everyone. If working in a bureaucratic organization with many rules and regulations is not your cup of tea, then this kind of work is the ideal for you.
To know more about this topic, here are some links:
Priscilla Belli
I find this article really relevant because we might have to choose one day between working in an office or telecommuting. On the one hand I agree with the positive aspects you pointed out but on the other hand, the second link highlights something really important to me, which seems difficult to protect: The work/life balance. Personally, even if I can have a peaceful room to work without any distraction, I guess I would work less efficiently at home. I find it much harder to perform a task efficiently at home, for example if someone calls or even rings at the door…
ReplyDeleteLastly, even if there are sometimes discrepancies between colleagues, I think that having a social life on the work place is essential and contributes to a good balance.
Raphaëlle PERIE
If I have the opportunity to work at home, I would definitely adopt this lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteThink about all the unwanted colleagues who show up unexpectedly to talk about nothing of importance. While working from home you will not have to put up with office politics and overbearing bosses.
However it’s nothing compared to the following advantage :you don’t have to account for your daily routine, you are free to do what you want when you want on the condition that your works is handed in on time. Not to mention the fact that working from home means that you will be exempt from any geographical restrictions.
Carine V.
I tend to agree with Raphaëlle as regards the balance between working life and privacy. Personally, I need a clearly defined break between my workplace and my home where I’m not concerned about work anymore. I definitely would not be willing to adopt this lifestyle, namely telecommuting.
ReplyDeleteAs Raphaëlle said, I could not either be very productive working at home, in my living room for example. I would be distracted by all the things surrounding me, such as television, radio, or pets for example.
Besides, I also agree on the fact that the social life related to work is very important. I would feel like a hermit, living as a recluse, and spending all of my time at home.
However Carine, your comment is pretty relevant. The exemption from any geographical restrictions shall be taken into consideration, since all the expenses and time spent on the road or in public transports to go to work must not be neglected. It can represent a real constraint.
Priscilla
If you have a call or meeting coming up where you know business confidential matters will be discussed, try and find some space somewhere else in your home, away from others. If that isn’t a possibility, plug in your earphones and try and limit repeating what others are saying unless vital. Read more here: https://www.randstad.com.au/career-advice/working-from-home/working-from-home-privacy/
ReplyDeleteStick to your everyday ‘work routine’ - don’t go as far as putting your shoes and jacket on, but set your alarm, get dressed, make that must have morning coffee and get your laptop set up. You’ll feel like you’ve accomplished a lot and you haven’t left the house! Taking these steps will put you in the right mind frame to get your work done. Read:five essential tips for working from home.
ReplyDeleteQWER is your ticket to Australia if you live in Australia or plan to work in Australia shortly on a work visa.find jobs in Perth
ReplyDelete