Corporate attitudes and commitments to telecommuting

The increased use of telecommuting by information and knowledge workers in many fields has been fostered by the availability of enabling technologies. Notebook sized computers, easy-to-use software, access to information both private or public, and electronic mail capabilities available worldwide have made telecommuting possible. This paper examines some of the key factors involved in the telecommuting evolution. Coverage includes background on how telecommuting started and which current technologies lend themselves to telecommuting. Also, the article reviews the trends that are stimulating dramatic double-digit growth and describes corporate attitudes toward and experiences with telecommuting. Topics covered include corporate commitments, motivation, productivity, supervision and employee satisfaction