Dan Richmond
Broadband Internet connections are changing the way people go to
work. Imagine not having to sit in a traffic jam, and just
getting up in the morning and starting to work from your
computer at home. This is not science fiction. If you already
have a fast Internet connection, all you need to do is add a web
cam and some conferencing software and you can enjoy the
benefits of telecommuting.
If you are not sure how you can benefit by telecommuting and
using web conferencing, consider these points:
1. You can save time and money by avoiding physical commuting
It is not getting any easier to get through road traffic or the
congestion in public transport, whether you travel by bus, train
or plane. And it is not getting any cheaper to commute. Should
you opt to telecommute and do your work at home, or in any place
of your convenience, then you will save a lot of time and
probably a lot of money as well.
2. You can be a full participant at work
Web conferencing gives you much more than mere telephone calls
or simple email. You can "attend" meetings and even make
PowerPoint presentations right from your home or satellite
office. Many web conferencing systems also allow online
application sharing, which will enable you to work on a wide
variety of documents that are actually residing on computers in
a distant main office. You can work in collaboration with your
colleagues who are miles away.
3. Should you get ill or injured, web conferencing will let you
get back to work sooner
You don't need a full recovery to start working if you are able
to do it from your own home. Work in your pajamas or work from
your bedside, nobody will mind. If you have a good conferencing
system you can participate in the work of your office without
showing up physically. The next time you are ill, you may be
able to gain valuable time by starting your work at home.
4. It will make maternity leaves easier to handle
Similar to incapacitation by illness is the case of someone who
needs to take time off due to pregnancy. Telecommuting with web
conferencing is an ideal win-win solution for the employer and
the employee.
5. You can work in informal, comfortable attire
When you are working from your home there is no need to impress
anyone with your clothing. Dress as you like and concentrate on
getting the job done right.
6. Telecommuting can work for a wide range of professions
The first telecommuter that I ever met was a software programmer
who used to "commute" to work in another county by a
then-very-rare fast Internet connection. Now, you don't need to
be a software engineer to get in on telecommuting.
Trainers can train other employees while working at home. Sales
reps can meet their prospects online. Teachers can even give
classes to students in remote locations thanks to web and video
conferencing. And yes, programmers can continue to work from the
comfort of their homes.
Other professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists,
insurance agents and lawyers could also take advantage of the
possibilities offered by telecommuting.
So, if you would like to eliminate the troubles of physical
commuting, consider the benefits offered by telecommuting and
shop around for a conferencing system that will allow you to
work from home or the place that is most convenient for you.
About the author:
Dan Richmond is Co-founder of MegaMeeting.com. MegaMeeting
provides Web & Video
Conferencing services for individuals & businesses. For more
information, please visit www.MegaMeeting.com. or
call 818.783.4311.
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