The many state and federal laws that protect employees, including employees who work at home, were not written with telecommuting in mind. As a result, companies face uncertain and unanticipated risks. Late last year, a federal agency that regulates workplace safety announced that it would begin inspection of home work sites. Although that ruling has since been withdrawn, it underscores potential problems of allowing employees at home. Both large and small companies allow employees to telecommute.
Technological advances explain the dramatic increase in telecommuting.
Every workplace has become more computer-oriented. The significance of an employee's presence in the office is often overshadowed by the employee' s ability to be in contact with the office. Equipment such as personal computers, modems, fax machines and cellular telephones enables employees to perform their regular duties without being physically present at the workplace. Telecommuting affords employees choices concerning where they work and what hours they work. Telecommuting can be part of an alternative work arrangement that accommodates needs such as child care.