Consequently, when an individual is unable to stop working, they become a work acholic. This is an advantage to companies in the begining, and most managers like it when their employyes are extremely dedicated to the job, but in the end it leads to burn out, causing the company to potentially lose a very valuable employee. Some individuals fear that if they are not working in the office everyday when promotions are handed out, they will be overlooked or forgotten. According to Bob Egan who manages the telecommuting program for IBM, from his home in Salt Lake City, IBM made a miscalculation when they initially set up their telecommuting program. When IBM first established their telecommuting program, they took into account that it would cut down on the office gossiping, but the failed to realize it would also cut into the employees opportunity to talk shop and share ideas.
Telecommuting is one of the fastest growing flex plans going, in business today.
When a company is considering whether to set up a telecommuting program, the most important thing is what effect will it have on the bottom line. One of the big advantages of a telecommuting program is that it provides employees with a way to take care of home and work responsibilities. Besides, as mention previously, talented employees are one of the only competitive advantages left in the business world today, so no one can afford to lose whatever advantage they have. Another advantage of a telecommuting program is that it cuts down on the amount of absenteeism and sick leave that employees need. Because employees are able to work outside the office, they are able to take care of illness or personal problems while still keeping up with work and not missing any time.