Working from home and telecommuting and are not mutually inclusive, nor are they one and the same. However, both are becoming more commonplace and popular among workers as technological advancements allow increased connectivity between corporate America and suburbia.

Recently, registered Canadian psychologists Dr. Jennifer Newman and Dr. Darryl Grigg wrote an excellent treatise on the topics of working from home and how those that telecommute fare within the workplace. The Doctors identified seven positive results of working at home to include increased control and work/family balance, improved supervisor/staff relationships, increased job satisfaction and worker retention, and finally, improved productivity.

I’m particularly impressed with the idea that

Workers who have increased control over their work, who can attend to their familial obligations and experience autonomy are more satisfied and less likely to quit their jobs. Being provided with the means to take charge of their own schedule and having choice is key to ensuring that workers are satisfied. Being given the option to work at home also promotes a sense of loyalty to the organization.

This article is worthy of a read by anyone contemplating making a move towards telecommuting of working from home.

My hat’s off to these researchers.

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