Employers know it takes an investment to set up a formal program, and they're not yet sure if it's worth it. But it is worth it. Millions and millions of dollars can be saved by implementing telework. Fortier cites savings in office space as one concrete advantage to employers. The average teleworker works at home two or three days a week, so several teleworkers can share an office by coming in on different days.
Productivity is the other key employer benefit.
According to federal government and U.S. studies posted on the CTA's website, productivity increases anywhere from 20 to 40 per cent among employees who telework. That's probably because working at home offers fewer interruptions and more comfortable surroundings than a corporate office environment. And that, coupled with more time for family and less time commuting, means less stressed and more satisfied employees. But while you might expect telework to get you out of the rat race, teleworker Arlen Bartsch disagrees. In the new and emerging economy, employers have to look at ways to be flexible.