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Schedule Flexibility: By the conclusion of the Telework Pilot Project, this
benefit was rated higher than any other by participating employees. Teleworking gives employees greater
flexibility to schedule doctor visits, parent-teacher days, and other important non-work tasks. It provides more
opportunity to spend time with family and friends or attend events in the community.
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Work Focus: Teleworkers consistently report that complicated tasks, especially those that
require concentration are easier to accomplish from home where there are fewer distractions.
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Saving Time: Average commute time in the US is about 25 minutes each way (higher in metro
areas). Discounting time for vacations, holidays and other days off, a typical employee could
save at least 40 hours a year by teleworking just one day a week. Of course, many of those
who telework have much longer commutes - and greater motivation to recapture some of that time
by teleworking.
This is the second highest-rated benefit among participants in the Telework Pilot Project. The average
total commute time (to and from work combined)among participants is just over 2 hours, but this includes some with
very long commutes involving ferry travel. For those who both live and work in Kitsap County (no ferry travel involved),
the average total commute time is approximately 1 hour, 10 minutes.
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Saving Money: Teleworkers frequently cite savings for gas and car maintenance. It is
difficult to calculate an average savings since vehicles vary with commuters and the price of gasoline fluctuates.
However, even small savings accumulate over time; employees may also save on lunches, dry cleaning, parking, and other
costs related to working at the central office. Some people may be able to get reduced auto insurance rates if the
mileage reduction is significant.
In the Pilot Project, there were some teleworkers with significant savings because their employer allowed them
to care for small children on telework days - something that not all employers will allow. The average participant
in the project saved 1.43 gallons of gasoline each day they teleworked, which would be approximately 69 gallons a year
if they teleworked one day a week. At $3.50 a gallon, that is $242 a year in savings; $276 a year at $4.00 a gallon.
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Less Stress: Teleworkers report that telework reduces stress. It may provide relief
from the stress of the rush-hour commute, rushing to catch the bus or ferry, or trying to get home in
time for a family commitment.
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Fewer Sick Days: There have been reports that teleworkers claim fewer sick days. Some
speculate that this is because teleworkers have more flexible schedules and don't need to
use a sick day for personal business. Employees who are able to telework can often work
partial days from home when they aren't well enough to go to the office. Teleworking is also
great when recuperating from illness or surgery.
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Possible Tax Benefits: A home office that is used only for work may qualify for a
home/office tax deduction. However, there are numerous requirements and employees should
study IRS regulations or contact the IRS or a tax professional for advice. Employees in states
with a state income tax should also explore requirements for a home/office deduction on
state taxes.
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Increased Employability: Being a skilled teleworker is an asset to employers. An
experienced teleworker has a track record of being self-reliant and trustworthy. Many
teleworkers are also more skilled at using remote technologies.
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Increased Safety: Your home is less likely to have a break-in when you are there,
and people at home keep a neighborhood a little safer. Also, the less time you spend on the road, the less likely you
are to be involved in an accident. There is a reason insurance rates are higher for people who rack up the miles.
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Help the Planet: Telework alone won't solve the environmental problem, but it is one more
way to make a small difference, and small differences add up. Instead of buying a car that gets better gas mileage,
just drive the one you have fewer miles. For example, if you drive 15,000 miles a year and your car gets 20 miles per
gallon, you are using 750 gallons of gas. If you decrease the miles driven to 10,000 a year, you'll use 500 gallons.
That's the equivalent of trading in a 20 mpg car for a 30 mpg car. Of course, you could get a car with better mileage
and reduce your driving - that would really make a difference. Check out the links above, including the individual
emissions calculator.
In the telework project, the average teleworker saved 27.73 lbs of CO2 for each day they teleworked.
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