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The impact of teleworking – the views of teleworkers

The Sensis® Consumer Report found that individuals were very positive about their teleworking experiences. Overall, 62 per cent reported a positive impact from teleworking, with one-quarter reporting no real impact and 13 per cent reporting a negative impact.

The main responses as to why individuals found teleworking positive related to flexibility and convenience. Forty-two per cent of those who were positive about teleworking reported finding it more flexible and convenient, with 34 per cent saying that it gave them the option to work outside the office, 24 per cent feeling that it had improved their productivity and efficiency and 16 per cent believing that it had improved communications. Other positive responses given by employees included the belief that teleworking had improved their standard of living, enabling them to spend time with the family that they would not have otherwise done, that they had saved on travel time, it was easier, quicker, that they were readily contactable and that they had been able to do more work.

However, teleworking proved to be a two-edged sword for individuals to some extent. Of the thirteen per cent that reported having had a negative experience with teleworking, the main reason was a belief that it had not improved productivity. In addition to this, 22 per cent believed that they now had to work longer hours, and 19 per cent reported that it took time away from their families. In addition, employees noted that it had increased the pressure on them to work out of normal office hours. This correlates with the earlier finding that employees that undertake regular work outside standard hours are more likely to be teleworking. The extent of the pressure felt by those teleworking was also noted in responses indicating that it made employees feel obligated towards their employer and meant that the option to work outside the office now existed, whereas work had previously been confined to the office.

It is interesting to note that the impact of teleworking on work and family balance is seen as both positive and negative by individuals. It is important to keep in mind the relevant bases when analysing this result. Whilst 19 per cent of those reporting a negative impact from teleworking reported that it took time away from their families, overall, individuals were much less likely to give a negative response, and the proportion reporting positive impacts for family reasons was over twice as great as those reporting negative impacts in total.

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• Document ID: 33083 |
• Last modified: 5 February 2008, 3:27pm