TORONTO, July 27 /CNW/ - The proliferation of wireless technologies and
feature-rich Internet applications is making it easier for information
technology (IT) professionals to work outside of the office. A new study by
Robert Half Technology shows that telecommuting is becoming more commonplace
among IT professionals. More than half (58 per cent) of chief information
officers (CIOs) surveyed said their companies' IT workforce is telecommuting
at a rate that is the same or higher than five years ago; only 5 per cent said
IT staff work remotely less frequently today than five years ago (see
table 1). Increased productivity and improved retention and morale were cited
as the greatest benefits among firms that allow telecommuting.
The poll includes responses from more than 270 CIOs from a stratified
random sample of Canadian companies with 100 or more employees. It was
conducted by an independent research firm and developed by Robert Half
Technology, a leading provider of information technology professionals on a
project and full-time basis.
"Enhanced connectivity tools provide IT professionals greater flexibility
and the option to work even when they are away from the office," said
Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half Technology.
"Consequently, working remotely is more commonplace today and more
acceptable."Telecommuting Attitudes Explored
--------------------------------Of the CIOs whose companies allow telecommuting, 36 per cent cited
increased productivity due to reduced commute time as the greatest benefit.
Thirty-four per cent of respondents also cited improved retention and morale
through enhanced work/life balance (see table 2).
"For some, working from home on occasion can result in greater
productivity because there are fewer interruptions than in the office," Lee
said. "Many IT professionals also appreciate not having to commute every day
given today's high gasoline prices."
Companies may need to balance the desire of staff to work remotely
against the expectation of accessibility, however. Indeed, survey respondents
indicated that telecommuting programs can have drawbacks. More than a third
(38 per cent) of all CIOs surveyed felt that quality of work suffers due to
diminished in-person contact with colleagues (see table 3A). Furthermore,
close to a quarter (21 per cent) of CIOs surveyed felt that telecommuting
employees are not as productive because they have less oversight (see table
3B).
"Telecommuting isn't a viable option for every type of employee in every
scenario," Lee commented. "Managers who need face-to-face interaction with
staff, or individuals who meet frequently with clients, for example, may find
that working from home hampers their ability to build strong business
relationships."Implementing Telecommuting Programs
-----------------------------------While telecommuting can benefit employers and employees alike, it's
important that companies have the appropriate infrastructure in place to
facilitate staff working remotely. For example, more than a quarter of CIOs
(27 per cent) surveyed felt that telecommuting employees generate too many
security risks because they need to access elements such as corporate
networks, systems and intellectual property off-site (see table 3C).
Clearly communicating guidelines about telecommuting is necessary. Lee
noted, "It's important that employers set expectations up front about who can
telecommute and how often they can do so, in order to avoid misunderstandings
that might arise during a project."To help ensure a successful telecommuting program, Lee suggests employers
consider the following questions:
- What IT jobs are best suited for telecommuting? Alternative work
arrangements are most suitable for individuals whose jobs can be
performed with relative autonomy.
- How frequently should IT employees be allowed to work remotely?
Consider allowing employees to work from home one day a week, and try
to schedule weekly meetings on days employees are on-site to provide
project updates.
- How will you ensure effective communication between team members?
Keeping a schedule of workers' on-site availability, and where and
how they can be reached when off-site, can keep work flowing
smoothly.With more than 100 locations in North America, Europe and Asia, Robert
Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for
initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration
to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers
online job search services at www.rht.com.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Research findings and full-color survey charts are
available at http://files.newswire.ca/159/Robert_Half_Survey.doc. To
schedule an interview for local commentary in Toronto, Ottawa or Edmonton
please contact Jason Chapman at 416-350-8143, extension 62070.Robert Half Technology Telecommuting Survey Findings
----------------------------------------------------
Table 1
-------
CIOs were asked, "Which of the following statements best applies to your
company's IT workforce?"
A higher proportion of your IT workers telecommute
today than five years ago ................................. 29%
The same proportion telecommute today as did five
years ago ................................................. 29%
A lower proportion of your IT workers telecommute today .... 5%
Not applicable, you do not allow your IT workforce to
telecommute ............................................... 35%
Other/don't know ........................................... 2%
----
100%
Table 2
-------
Respondents whose IT workers telecommute also were asked, "Which of the
following is the greatest benefit to your firm?"
Increased productivity of IT workforce by reducing
commute time .............................................. 36%
Improved retention and morale of IT workforce through
enhanced work/life balance ................................ 34%
Saves money by requiring less office space ................. 11%
The ability to hire employees in lower cost-of-living
areas who don't require high salaries ..................... 3%
Other ...................................................... 2%
Don't know ................................................. 14%
----
100%
Table 3
-------
CIOs were asked, "Do you agree or disagree with the following statements
about telecommuting, as they apply to your company?"
Don't
Disagree Agree know
------------------------
A. The quality of work suffers due to less
face-to-face contact with colleagues 52% 38% 10%
B. Telecommuting employees have little
oversight, which makes them less productive 68% 21% 11%
C. Telecommuting employees generate too many
security concerns 64% 27% 9%
For further information: To schedule an interview for local commentary
in Toronto, Ottawa or Edmonton please contact Jason Chapman at (416) 350-8143,
extension 62070
