Telecommuting: A Remote Possibility

The world is flat, and that is great news! Communication is instant, efficient, and inexpensive. Mobile technology has given individuals and organizations immediate connectivity, access to the internet while providing businesses the ability to transcend barriers of time, distance, and language. Telecommuting has become a natural extension of this. While some may argue it is more difficult to manage employees remotely, telecommuting offers many mutually beneficial aspects such as reduced cost, increased efficiency, better work-life balance, greater collaboration, and a more diverse workforce with untapped potential for remote possibilities.

The Future

                        Figure 1. (Jacoby, 2015).

Certainly, managing a remote workforce presents a new set of challenges, and certain Celluphone (2012) locations require traditional employment methods. However, mobile devices have changed the face and function of modern workplaces. Therefore, integration of these technologies with the goals and practices of the organization will further objectives as set forth by management. An article in The Journal of Leadership Studies cites the following functions as factors that contribute to success in this type of endeavor. These include the ability to diagnose, adapt, and communicate tasks and behaviors to employees in remote situations (Gibson, Domwell, Dominicus, & Demerath, 2002, p. 81). These remote interactions may appear less personal and controllable.
However, favorable results can be achieved through enhanced communication techniques such as “…scheduled chat rooms, daily e-mail contact, weekly phone calls, periodic staff meetings held in the office or virtual staff meetings held by video or audio conferencing” (Gibson, Domwell, Dominicus, & Demerath, 2002, p.84). Furthermore, Kate Lister, an internationally recognized authority on telework methods for organizations, states, “Results-based management is key to directing a global, mobile workforce” (Lister, 2015, p.6). These findings suggest shifting paradigms in managerial and employee relations, with less disruption and higher productivity that can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes for both groups.

Benefits of Telecommuting

            Figure 2. (Onlingrace.edu, 2015).

 
Cost reduction and increased efficiency are two mutually beneficial aspects that both individuals and organizations will realize as a result of remote employment. Industry leaders such as AT & T and Merrill Lynch have implemented telecommuting. Consider the following evidence: “… half of AT & T’s 50,000 managers worldwide telecommute, while Merrill Lynch announced that they save anywhere from $5000 to $6000 per office, per year in overhead costs because of their employees who have chosen to telecommute” (Gibson, Domwell, Dominicus, & Demerath, 2002, p.78). The Telework Association Council reports these companies and others such as Traveler’s Insurance and American Express, and Cisco Systems experienced soaring rates of productivity and improved customer service after implementing a larger share of telecommuting employees to their workforce. (Gibson, Domwell, Dominicus, & Demerath, 2002, p.78)

Similarly, employees benefit by reduced expenditures and increased productivity. Areas of savings included gasoline, wear and tear on automobiles, and more affordable housing in areas outside of major cities. With fewer interruptions from co-workers, meetings, and managers those working in remote capacities find that their output increases. Work is often performed at longer intervals and throughout various periods of time in addition to a traditional workday. Thus, employees such as Kristy Lopez state that the average time spent working increases by greater than 20 percent. Despite the increased hours, she believes the work/life balance is improved. (Lopez, 2015)

Figure 3.

As previously stated, mobile technology is the crux of Celluphone’s customer and client base, and has changed society. Verizon is the largest client of Celluphone and has incorporated telecommuting into its practices. Nena Faulkner, a senior consultant for Verizon’s sustainability team, states, “I really appreciate the flexibility that TeleWork provides.” She is pleased that “it saves me money, wear and tear on my car, toll charges and I get to have a positive impact on the environment” (Environmentalleader.com, 2011, May, 18). Environmental initiatives also reduce expenditures.
 
 Given these changes, employees have now seized opportunities that accompany telecommuting. Whereas parents were once forced to choose between an active role in the lives of their children and advancement opportunities within a corporate structure, remote employment allows for flexibility concerning family needs such as caring for children or aging parents. Furthermore, mobile innovations enable individuals to work from diverse locations and settings.

Whether work is conducted from a home office, coffee house, library, train, or any other settings, telecommuting lends itself to enhanced collaboration. The very essence of cellular technology and, therefore, the emphasis of Celluphone is one of transience and flexibility. Cellphones have given individuals and organizations the freedom to connect instantly from almost any location across the globe. These connections go beyond traditional methods of vocal connection and now encompass the ability to engage using social media platforms and programs such as Google Docs (2015), which encourage the sharing and participation of contributors. Kieser and Golden (2009) state, “Web-based office applications are collaborative writing tools aimed at facilitating the editing and reviewing of documents by multiple individuals in real time or asynchronously” (para. 22). Individuals are now able to share ideas, track changes, and participate in design and structure, from inception to completion. Using these tools, an individual can perform tasks without the limitations posed by conventional work hours, local or international time zones, or language barriers. Celluphone employees could reside in varied locations across the globe without interruption to business objectives.

      
Thus, a more diverse workforce amongst telecommuters is becoming commonplace. “And because innovation is stimulated by a combination of ideas and skills, organizations will gravitate toward diversity” (Maleyeff, Arnheiter, & Venkateswaran, 2012, para. 38). The authors also assert that “Globalization demands an entirely new mind-set, not simply a change in processes,” (Maleyeff, Arnheiter, & Venkateswaran, 2012, para. 13). Arguably, the modern workforce is more dependent upon knowledge-based individuals and the innovative skill sets they bring. Lister argues, “Flexible work options are key to attracting and retaining increasingly scarce talent” (Lister, 2015, p. 6). Acquiring this expertise in a cost-effective manner may require virtual employment rather than the costs associated with relocation and travel.
 
As “America’s Master Agent” for dealers in the American wireless industry, Celluphone is well positioned to exceed present growth expectations. (Celluphone, 2015) Currently, there are two corporate offices, located in Los Angeles and Illinois. As the company’s presence increases, additional hiring will be necessary. By incorporating an expanded virtual employee base, this organization will realize savings in real estate, office furnishings, utilities, and supplies. Additionally, the company will attract a wider array of potential candidates from numerous locations across the globe, thereby creating a broader knowledge base and diverse company culture. Increasing Celluphone’s telecommuting staff will reduce overhead, expand productivity, provide accommodating work practices, enriched partnerships, and comprehensive contributions that will place Celluphone (2015) in the position to capture an even greater share of the national and international markets.

References

Adams, E. (2014, March 6) Figure 3. Retrieved from http://abovethelaw.com/2014/03/want-a-better-worklife-balance-how-to-spend-more-time-chilling-when-youre-done-billing/

Celluphone (2012) Retrieved from https://secure.celluphone.com/default.aspxrom http://chinaorman.com/2013/11

Culver, V. (2013) Figure 6. Retrieved from https://www.kbz.com/blog/8-ways-telecommuting-win-business-and-workers

Dietel, E. (2014) Figure 5. Retrieved from http://www.otcpas.com/cutting-costs-saving-money/

Environmentalleader.com (2011, May 18) Retrieved from http://www.environmentalleader.com/2011/05/18/verizon-teleworking-saves-18000-gallons-in-six-months/#ixzz3rhNbP2J8

Gibson, Domwell, Dominicus, & Demerath, (2002) Telecommuting in the 21st century: Benefits, issues, and a leadership model which will work. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 8(4), 75-86.

Google Docs (2015) Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/?showDriveBanner=true

Jacoby, M. (2015) Figure 1. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/margaret-jacoby/the-trend-toward-working-_b_8106428.html

Kieser, A. L., & Golden, F. O. (2009). Using online office applications: Collaboration tools for learning. Distance Learning, 6(1), 41-46. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/230697262?accountid=32521

Lister, K. (2015) Results based-management: The key to unlocking talent, increasing productivity. (p.6). Retrieved from http://globalworkplaceanalytics.com/whitepapers

Lopez, K. (2015) Personal interview with project manager for Celluphone. Los Angeles, CA.

Maleyeff, J., Arnheiter, E. A., & Venkateswaran, V. (2012). The continuing evolution of Lean Six Sigma. TQM Journal, 24(6), 542-555. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/17542731211270106

Onlinegrace.edu. (2015) Figure 2. Retrieved from http://online.grace.edu/news/connecting-the-modern-workforce-managing-todays-telecommuters/