Telecommuting Good for the Whole Office, Survey Says

10/20/2008

Companies that allow telecommuting save an average of $700,000 per year, according to a new survey sited by ASI. The savings are found in fewer mileage reimbursements and money spent in office materials. The availability of telecommuting was also found to have health benefits for employees, as well increase productivity and the ability to hire and retain more qualified workers.

Results of the Web-based survey by CompTIA, a nonprofit trade association, indicate that employees and businesses alike benefit from allowing people to telecommute. More than 200 companies responded to the survey, and 75 percent said they allow at least some telecommuting. Most attribute the increased efficiency to eliminated travel time.

Business savings, while averaging about $700,000 per year, varied greatly. The survey was sent in August and September to professionals in several industries, including technology service, manufacturing, health care, education and entertainment.