June 29, 2008

Op-Ed Contributor

Pajama Life

By NICOLE BELSON GOLUBOFF

As gas prices increase, so will telecommuting and America's ability to make the most of its benefits.

Although the appeal of telecommuting is clear and the number of telecommuters is rising, people would be even more inclined to dial in from home if tax rules weren't stacked against them. Some telecommuters must pay income taxes in more than one state on wages they earn at home. So here's one potential positive outcome of rising gas prices: people who want to telecommute will join together with their employers, who want to retain them, to agitate to change these policies.

Once legal obstacles like these are removed, the nation will realize telecommuting's promise. The benefits include reductions in traffic, carbon emissions and the cost of building transportation infrastructure; increased employment among older and disabled Americans; and more time for leisure and work for employees who aren't spending hours in cars and on trains. We'll have exorbitant gas prices to thank ( technology, and people who believe it is right thing to do).