By definition, telework is moving the work to the worker instead of moving the worker to the work. Telework is not limited to a home office. People who work from their automobile, from hotel rooms, or even while waiting at the airport for a flight are "mobile workers." Anyone who stays connected to the office or to clients via technology is teleworking. Telework can be any job or task that can be completed independently, supported by appropriate hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, and office supplies.

The benefits of teleworking are many. In addition to obvious advantages such as reduced rush hour traffic and enhanced air quality, there are a number of less visible benefits like improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, and expanded geographic range. The ease with which a computer age employee can be linked to his or her office makes it easy to run a successful teleworking program.

Ways to Telework

Work at Home
Working from home is looked at as one of the most popular forms of telework. Employees designate workspace to conduct business functions one or more days per week using various equipment and office supplies to complete tasks.

Virtual Office Mobile Worker
An airport, hotel, car or even a solitary table can be a work place for the growing number of "mobile workers". Employees who are on the road, using technology to link them to customers, the office or suppliers are teleworkers.

Satellite Office
This is a workspace that is owned or leased solely for the use of an organization's employees. The satellite office is usually located in an area where there is a high concentration of workers are living. Employees from several departments can work in the same location and share expenses one or more times per week.

Neighborhood Work Center
This is a remote facility shared by employees from several companies. The advantages are that offices can be located in areas where high concentrations of employees live and resources can be shared among several companies.

Teleworkers, in well-managed programs, have a chance to make independent decisions, solve problems, and demonstrate the kinds of skills and traits sought when looking to promote an employee. Employees can telework as little as one day a week or as many as five days, though three days seems to be the optimum in order to sustain office relationships and business contacts. It is a very effective method to meet your companies profitability concerns. When considering implementation of a telework program, consider that telework fosters increased productivity, reduces workspace needs, and increases employee retention and/or recruitment.