Workplace Challenges
Statistics Canada report explores reasons for stagnationPopularity of telecommuting dropsHow we work and the way in which we work has been changing since it became a requirement of the human condition. |
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 [ 2007-06-27 ] |
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How we work and the way in which we work has been changing since it became a requirement of the human condition.
But sometimes we run across a practice that just doesn't play out the way we expect it to -- and telecommuting is the latest "future of work" that just hasn't taken off.
A new Statistics Canada report shows that despite various surveys suggesting strong growth in the number and proportion of employees doing some or all of their regularly scheduled work at home, the reality is there is no growth.
"The number and incidence of teleworkers appear to have leveled off in recent years -- actually dipping from 1,426,000 in 2000 to 1,322,000 in 2005," Statistics Canada says. "The stall is surprising in light of past trends."
Indeed, the estimated number of teleworkers rose from just a little over 600,000 in 1991 to 1 million in 1995 and then to more than 1.4 million in 2000.
And, with continuing growth in employment, growing computer use both at home and at work, advancements in technology and our increasing demand for a more flexible working environment, one would expect the trend to continue.
Working at home has benefits and detriments both for employees and employers.
For employees, this arrangement allows more flexibility to schedule activities, makes it easier to balance work and personal or family demands, reduces expenses for transportation, clothing and food, and cuts commuting time.
On the down side, working at home may reduce an employee's social circle, stifle career advancement or even increase workload.
For employers, a telecommute arrangement in some cases increases productivity, reduces expenses for work space, improves recruitment and retention of employees and reduces absenteeism.
The disadvantages include problems related to co-ordination and communication, lack of control over quality of work and problems associated with information security.
So, why has the popularity of telecommuting dropped off?
Statistics Canada isn't sure, but the agency has some ideas.
One possibility is that continuing re-evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages may have lowered its attractiveness for both employees and employers.
"For example, growth in employer-assisted day care programs and improved transportation networks may have helped reduce the need to work at home," the report says.
There also may be a greater need for information security in the wake of 9/11 and there may be a need for closer communications among workers.
Strangely enough, the advancement of technology itself may have nipped the growing number of telecommuters in the bud.
"The use of laptops, BlackBerrys and mobile phones, and the growing proliferation of communication centres may facilitate work from many other places, such as cars, airports, railway and bus terminals, and satellite offices," the report says.
P.J. Harston is Sun Media's National Business Editor. Reach him by e-mail at Pj.harston@sunmedia.ca, read more of his columns on Canoe's Money website or on his blog at blog.canoe.ca/funbiz
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