Assignment:
The work telework is used interchangeably with telecommuting. It is the substitution of technology for work-related travel to work from home, a satellite office or other workstation outside of the main office. (Martin, 2017). With the transformational role of information and communication technologies, this makes teleworking more appealing especially the ease of access to high speed internet as well as the advancement of mobile devices. (Boell, Cecez-Kecmanovic, & Campbell, 2016)
There are a number of potential benefits for employees and organizations, it contributes to increased flexibility and autonomy. Employees have more freedom to structure their work activities, this flexibility can contribute to organization agility, as employees are able to access work related information efficiently regardless of time and space. (Boell, Cecez-Kecmanovic, & Campbell, 2016). The benefits of telework also have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and also socially. In addition, telework helps employees have work/life balance, reduced commuting time, reduce employee stress, decrease use of sick leave time, and increased work satisfaction.(Riccucci, 2018). Employers enjoys decreased office space requirement and a reduction in travel expenses. Environmental benefits such as reduced emissions and energy consumption and decreased congestion on highways. (Riccucci, 2018).
Teleworking can be detrimental for employees and the workplace as well. The challenges include reduced employees oversight and accountability, less interpersonal contact among teams, and possible employee isolation. (Riccucci, 2018). Employee's productivity is seen as a challenge along with questions of eligibility, increased scheduling difficulty, blurring of boundaries between work and non-work responsibilities, longer workdays, customer service complaints, and increased limitations on career advancement. (Riccucci, 2018). Another issue that can present itself is the differences in employee's role that can or cannot allow an employee to work remotely. This can cause friction in the organization for those employees who does not have the type of job where it is an option to work remotely. It then becomes as issue when and if those employees feel as though others are shown favoritism to be allowed to work remotely and they cannot.
Telework can be very beneficial for the employees as well as the organization especially in society today when organizations are looking for ways to save the company money. It is also a win for the employee as well with the cost of gas prices, and maintenance on a vehicle. If an employee is not able to work remotely five days a week, maybe it could still be beneficial to both employee and organization if the employees are allowed to work remotely two to three days a week. It all comes down to how management feels, and the trust to allow their employees to work remotely, in the end it is saving both money. Teleworking obstacles can be dissolved with cooperation and understanding from both employees and management, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV)