Telecommuting’s Effect on Staff Retention and Absenteeism

October 7, 2008

Telecommuting’s Effect on Staff Retention and Absenteeism

Employees who are dissatisfied with their office jobs often look for excuses to not show up. Some abandon the job entirely for green pastures. This can leave companies with too many open positions too often thereby diminishing work quantity and quality. These days, businesses are turning more frequently to telecommuting as a way to retain workers while improving their bottom lines.

Telecommuting allows employees to work from home (or other locations outside of the office) instead of traveling back and forth to the office every day. Telecommuting can be done full-time or just one or two days a week. The government has adopted some level of telecommuting programs. According to recent government studies, these numbers will increase because telecommuting works.

Many companies are finding that allowing their workers flexibility of location, even on a part-time basis, increases the work satisfaction and company dedication for its employees. Employees are less likely to take time-off because they are better able to manage their work time verses personal needs like doctor’s visits and parent-teacher meetings. Many workers say that their family lives improve with the time saved during commutes. This is especially important to families with two working parents.

Other benefits include reduced parking and gas costs, more work autonomy and fewer work distractions. Pregnant and disabled workers can better continue their work by working at home and often feel grateful for the chance to stay productive. These benefits lead to happier employees who stay on the job longer. Kwame Alexander, a publishing consultant, loves working from home. I can think so much more creatively when I am at home. Something about having my favorite music playing while I work in my slippers is really freeing. Plus, I feel the pressure to get the job done.

A recent study conducted found that telecommuting was a win-win concept for both employers and employees. 87% of the staff that were allowed to telecommute showed a significant increase in productivity of 97-100%. These workers stated that they were happier with their jobs, their work performance and their supervisors. Telecommuting staff members were more likely to stay in their positions than office-bound employees. They also took less days off.

Of course telecommuting does not work for everyone. Some employees fear losing their jobs because of the reduced face-to-face contact with bosses and supervisors. Some experience higher stress and decreased productivity due to an inability to balance work and home life. Others find that the social and professional isolation make them feel lonely. Ro some, the move to working from home worries them. One worker, says, I work better in a collaborate environment. I get motivated by working directly with others.

The attractiveness of telecommuting is reflecting on job search web-sites. Many sites include telecommuting as a search options and there are even sites that specialize solely on telecommuting jobs. In the near future, telecommuting may be a key job benefit that companies offer into order to attract top-notch employees, keep them showing up for work and keep them on the job.

Richard Reid of
Pinnacle Proactive, Specialists in the
Employee
Assistance Program,

Stress Management,

Staff Retention & Absenteeism. Take a Proactive Approach in Growing Your
Organisation

Tags : staff retention, staff absenteeism