Thursday, October 10, 2013

Telecommuting can add flexibility to workers' schedules, lives

Article #1 

Oliviero, Helena. (5 October 2013) Telecommuting can add flexibility to workers‘ schedules, lives. Austin American Statesman.
 Link

1. Category of problem: Employment; Transportation

2. Level of problem: National

3. The article concerns: The ease and convenience that telecommuting can add to the lives of many different types of employees.

4. Why is this important to families/individuals OR how does it affect individuals/families?
a. Both individuals and families can benefit from the option of telecommuting. An individual will save time to take on the activities or errands they need to do. Telecommuting saves time by not having to drive to and from work and not having to take lunch breaks. Also, depending on the job, one may be able to work times that are convenient to themselves. Families could benefit by having parents around more often, and more readily available to attend to their kids needs.

5. What are your views on the issue/policy?
    a.  I think that telecommuting is a great idea if it is a suitable option to get the job done. If one is able to get the job done from home, why make them travel to the office every single day. For example, a graphic designer, photographer or a customer service representative may not have to head to the office to get the job done. Personally, I telecommuted for a company for about three months; it was the best job that I have ever had. I got to wear whatever I wanted to, work from wherever I wanted to, and set the hours that I wanted to work. It was amazing. Not only was I less stressed about work, but my house was cleaner and I was also able to cook more often. If telecommuting can help me out that much, I can only imagine what it could do for a family or a single parent. Having to worry about being home in time to meet your child would be so much easier; feeding your child would be so much easier; supporting your child would be easier and better for the whole family. Telecommuting would not only benefit families, it would benefit individuals as well. For example, one may work two or more jobs and be relieved that they won't have to supply gas to get to one of them. It will not only save time, but it will also save money. Employees will no longer have to waste gas on getting themselves to and from work; they also might save more on not eating out as much, or by purchasing less microwavable meals. The article also pointed out that a woman telecommuted for a few weeks when her son broke his leg. This could also happen to the employee themselves. If one were to hurt their arm or let, it would be nice for them to be able to rest at their house. Though the job could still be performed with these minor injuries, it would be convenient and considerate to offer the option to telecommute to the employee. All and all, I think that telecommuting is the right option if the job can be performed properly from the home.

1 comment:

  1. I agree completely! Telecommuting is a great way to get a job done and it's more convenient for everyone. Parents would be able to schedule their child's appointments with more ease and be able to make their schedule around their children's. I agree when you say that people would be able to save money on eating out and on gas. Stopping to get something, such as coffee in the morning is expensive! Gas commuting and sitting in traffic early to and from work could be avoided. I think that if the job could be done by telecommuting then it would benefit not only the employee, but the the employer as well.

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