As much of the nation is in the grips of winter weather, this serves as a good time for a friendly reminder of what technology can do for you today. Many of us are capable of doing our respective jobs and fulfilling the responsibilities therein from outside the office. Question: Would you rather be one of the lemmings, barely awake, dodging impatient drivers in the midst of inclement weather just so you can make it into the office?
My answer is a resounding no, allow me to expand. Conference call services like Web conferencing allow for seamless collaboration and communication with one’s team. Documents can still be shared, client communication remains at optimum quality and productivity remains the status quo—actually, in some cases working remotely has shown to be more productive.
Would you still rather make the mad dash littered with men bobbing and weaving on snowy roads or women applying that mascara they didn’t have time to when they weren’t driving their car?
I’ve raised a few issues of safety—heed them well because those of us who drive to work know exactly what I am talking about.
I can understand that many have not felt the freedom of the remote workforce, but according to a recent study 41 percent of respondents felt more productive at home. Another recent study boasts that 83 percent of respondents work from home for at least part of the week—it’s official, the remote workforce is moving mainstream.
So back to my original example of that nasty (weather-wise) morning commute, is it necessary to go through that stress? I say no. It is however worth finding out what your employer’s policy of telecommuting is.
Technology exists today to make our lives easier; the archaic ways of the 9-5 workday are no longer. The office in many cases today is, where and when you want it to be. So the next time you’re headed to work during a wintery mix and you get cut off by the man drinking his coffee and talking on his smartphone at the same time while simultaneously making a left turn, allow the serenity of what working from home could mean to wash over you. And, when you get to the office, I’d suggest finding out your options.
Edited by Alisen Downey