Interest in telecommuting is high, but there are some barriers for both employers and employees that hinder the development of full-scale telecommuting. Some of those barriers will be lessened or eliminated as telecommunications technology advances. Making telecommuting a widespread option does not depend on huge outlays of money by government, as do roads and transit systems. Telecommuting saves employees time, cost, and stress of the work commute. It also provides them the flexibility to better balance their work and home lives.
Employers see telecommuting as a way to keep valued employees and recruit top-quality new staff.
Employers also are looking at its potential for boosting productivity. Other benefits include the potential for reducing office and parking space, and meeting requirements of the ADA and ECO Rules. The emergence of home computers, modems, E-mail, fax machines, audio and video conferencing and other communication technologies has made it possible for many jobs to be done virtually anywhere. The Oregon Office of Energy has for the past four years contributed to making telecommuting a viable work option for Oregon employers and employees by helping them develop well thought out programs and by training managers and telecommuters. Through the Office of Energy, the state provides incentives to employers setting up telecommuting programs.