The case for telecommuting

More employers are open to the possibility. Huzzah!

Let's tote up the benefits:

- Less overheard for you, the employer. Remember that desk you were going to buy? The chair, the phone, not to mention the computer equipment? Work it out with an employee and they'll be using their own stuff. That's savings right there.
- Reliable, loyal workers. Employers can be resistant to telecommuting because of, let's face it, the trust factor. How do you know your employee's not screwing off when he or she should be working? Well, by giving your workers the respect of trusting them, you gain their loyalty. Or you wind up firing them. It's a risk worth taking. Besides, how do you know your on-site people aren't screwing around?

- A more down-to-earth, businesslike workplace. Face it: A lot of office time is wasted -- a bunch of water-cooler conversation over brownies brought in by the receptionist. Telecommuting brings business back to business -- you communicate with your employees on an as-needed basis. Cuts out a lot of those awkward "How 'bout them A's?" conversations.

- It's environmentally friendly. Employees can work from home, coffee shops, wherever. It'll likely cut down on driving -- always a good thing.

- Promotes work-life balance. This pays for itself.