And companies are looking beyond those immediate benefits toward telecommuting's role as a recruiting tool. Policies run the gamut, says Boyd, who has studied more than 50 telecommuting programs in the Northeast. More often than not, companies provide the equipment, either by redeploying PCs from the office or giving users laptops with docking stations. These docking stations contain adapters for monitors and keyboards, as well as connections to networks. Keeping In Sync Companies that provide equipment get a big payoff, Boyd and Gordon agree.
Formal programs are more successful than looser arrangements.
Employees are more coordinated, and can do things like videoconferencing or document sharing. And more workers are likely to take the plunge. Mass. A program piloted in '91 has grown to include 3,700 employees across the country, according to Janice Sutphen, regional telecommuting manager for Digital's Northeastern region and headquarters area. As Sutphen knows, providing equipment is only half of a successful telecommuting program. Support is the other half.