Employee Motivation

We’ve previously discussed the benefits of teleworking, or working from home. However, no business strategy is without its potential pitfalls and teleworking is no different.

Less Contact, Less Creativity

One theory is rapidly gaining traction suggests that an office environment fosters creativity in a way working from home simply cannot. Those frequent chats and interruptions from coworkers previously cited as productivity distractions can also be a driving force in creativity. Great ideas are born from casual conversations and water cooler chats can often develop into new ideas.

Technological Difficulties

Depending on the nature of the teleworking position, business owners may find themselves incurring additional expenses for technology. While a freelance employee may not necessarily need this kind of support, a dedicated teleworker may require company equipment and the expense of a dedicated phone or internet service. Additionally, any IT issues may take much longer to resolve. Not every single employee working from home is savvy enough to troubleshoot their own equipment or easily resolve that conference call snafu.

Productivity Issues

While some employees thrive in a self-directed work situation, others may simply not have the self-discipline to succeed in that environment. While one can make the argument there are fewer distractions in a home office, one can also see that there may be more. Alternately, some employees may not possess the ability to separate themselves from their work when it is “always there.” This could lead to a dip in morale and, consequently, productivity. There are a number of factors to account for when considering teleworking as an option for employees. Just as in any work situation, there are benefits and issues to be considered. Each business must weigh the pros and cons and determine what is most important to them and their business. The decision, just as so many that came before it, is personal to the individual.