Better Telecommuting

“Work is something you do, not some place you go to” – this phrase from Home Warriors, an Economist.com article, is something I cannot agree with more.

Many smart businesses have long realized the tremendous boost in productivity and efficiency that can be achieved by embracing telecommuting. It is estimated that more than a quarter of the workforce in developed economies hold jobs that can easily be done remotely.

However, effective telecommuting requires more than just e-mail and a broadband connection. A robust and well designed collaboration platform is essential if dispersed individuals are to function as an effective team. Other potential downsides include telecommuters’ alienation due to lack of face-to-face contact with fellow workers. 

The good news is that there are a number of innovative collaboration platforms and telepresence solutions emerging that promise to make the telecommuting experience more enjoyable and effective. Home Warriors provides a glimpse into some of these innovations.