Telework Taking a Downturn?
A 2007 report from Statscan found that, while the number of teleworkers grew from one million in 1995 to 1.4 million in 2000, the figure then dipped to 1.3 million in 2005. The report cites a few reasons for that decline, ranging from worker fears of out-of-sight, out-of-mind career derailment to employer concerns about lack of face-to-face communication with their staff. The report also suggests that modern offices offer more attractive perks than home life.
Down south, three big telecommuting advocates – AT&T Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co. and Intel Corp. – recently recalled some teleworkers back to the office, citing company reorganizations. In 2006, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also recalled employees, after millions of records were stolen from a teleworker’s home.
All this has some wondering whether the teleworking trend has taken a backward turn.
Though telework does offer its advantages, some also claim a problem seperating the work life from the home life. Is it a disadvantage to be disconnected from the office?
Photo via hq.usace
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