Telecommuting Is A Double-Edged Sword

Even in this time of high gas prices and a perceived emphasis on telecommuting, a new survey says a majority of office workers fear working at home can hurt their career prospects. However, more than half believe it's beneficial for a company to endorse the option. According to the Workplace Index Survey, almost half of the respondents polled said their companies allow them to telecommute, but less than a third take advantage of this opportunity. Most office workers feel that their companies prefer them in the office to control their work environment (72 percent) and prevent a decline in productivity (71 percent)." In addition, 80 percent of respondents believe telecommuting is a trend that will continue to grow during the next five years. And despite any hesitance of most office workers to telecommute, most have favorable impressions of working outside the office.