Pros and Cons of Telecommuting: What You Should Know

Pros and Cons of Telecommuting: What You Should Know

Telecommuting has become increasingly common in the United States. According to a recent report by Gallup, over four in 10 U.S. employees now perform at least some of their work at home. If you've been given the option of telecommuting, though, you might be wondering what benefits it offers. Telecommuting offers both advantages and disadvantages that you need to know.

Pro: No Daily Commute

Arguably, one of the greatest advantages of telecommuting is that it eliminates the need for daily commutes. Some employees spend over two hours commuting to and from their workplace each day. Over the course of a month, that means an employee can spend 20 to 40 hours driving to and from work. When you telecommute, however, you won't have to drive. Rather, you can perform your work from the comfort of your own home.

Con: You Must Set Up a Workspace

If you're going to work from home, you must set up a workspace. If you have a small home with little or no extra space, you may not be able to set up a workspace. Of course, this isn't a problem for workers in large homes, but it's still something to consider if you're thinking about telecommuting.

Pro: Personalized Workspace

Telecommuting allows you to create your own personalized workspace -- something that's typically not possible in most commercial offices and workplaces. You can decorate your home office however you wish. Since it's your home, you aren't required to follow your employer's guidelines regarding workspace decorations.

Con: More Distractions

On the other hand, you can expect to encounter more distractions when telecommuting. Family members and pets, for example, may distract you from working. And if you aren't careful, this may negatively affect your productivity. You must learn to block out distractions so that they don't interfere with your ability to work.

Pro: Set Your Own Schedule

Although there are exceptions, you can typically set your own schedule when telecommuting. If you work in a commercial office or any other traditional workplace, you'll probably be required to show up at specific times. Working from home, however, gives you the freedom to choose when, exactly, you want to work.

Con: Lack of Social Interaction

Finally, telecommuting can lead to a lack of social interaction. When you work from home, you won't have coworkers or colleagues with whom you can converse. You'll likely be working alone for most if not all of your workday.

Dec 9th 2019

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