The Advantages and Disadvantages of Telecommuting for the Employee and the Firm Free Essay Example, 2750 words

One of the main disadvantages experienced by employers is that they cannot supervise the performance of their employees the way they would like to do. There is also a problem which implies the fact that an employer may not be able to contact an employee promptly, especially when deliverables are required. As a result, the client might be burdened with a delay in services. Another issue that may possibly be faced by the company as a result of telecommuting lies within the framework of security. There is the possibility that the information and secret data used by the telecommuter can be hacked and the same may also fall into the hands of a third person, even without hacking (Swati, 2008). It has been suggested that in order to deal with the problems mentioned above, employers should take notes from other companies that practice telecommuting. There is also a need to sufficiently provide the telecommuter with materials and resources that would aid him/her in carrying out the tasks eff ectively and efficiently. Such resources can include a phone, fax machine and other gadgets that would not only help the telecommuter in doing the job but also the company because these enable the employer to keep in touch with the employee (Ahmadi et al. , 2000). We will write a custom essay sample on The Advantages and Disadvantages of Telecommuting for the Employee and the Firm or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now With regards to the problem of lack of supervision, the employer should be focusing on the results delivered by the telecommuter instead of focusing on time spent by the latter to get his/her work done. It is easier said than done. Managing telecommuters is challenging to the employer because there is a need to conduct certain measures in order to accommodate the telecommuter. This means that policies, rules, and regulations should be modified. Supervision can indeed be frustrating on the part of the employer, but there is a way to make the situation less frustrating or challenging. To avoid a situation where there is a complete lack of management and the progress of the work to be done deteriorates because of this, it is advised that telecommuters should meet with their employers face to face in order to report to them, and discuss other matters whether in relation to work or the life of the telecommuter as an employee.