Teleworkers should be able to separate their work from the rest of their lives. In spite of the risk of isolation, Fortier says that telework's advantages are numerous enough that companies need to start implementing it as an option. Fortier also says that telework can reduce absenteeism by about 20 per cent, because people can work from their homes when they are detained for reasons other than sickness. And because many people want to telework, it's a key option for companies when looking to recruit or retain employees. Jon Lord, an alderman and MLA in Calgary, Alta., advocates telework from a societal perspective.
Environment wins, society wins, employees win.
Lord says that telecommuting would reduce pollution and traffic congestion caused by commuters, as well as road maintenance costs. He says it would even have reduced the number of employees stranded during Calgary's recent transit strike. Fear of change. Lack of experience with computers. Lack of awareness of what is available and what can be done.