The Telecommuting Solution

According to a 1999 report by the United States Department of Labor, approximately one in 10 American workers fits into an alternative job category. These categories include independent contractors, on-call workers, temporary help agency workers, and contract firm workers. And, with technology enabling workers to commute virtually from virtually anywhere, the number of people working in an alternative capacity is expected to significantly increase in the next decade.

Because there are so many variations of the offsite employee, it's impossible to capture the exact number of people working from home. While some individuals are self-employed e-lancers, others are company staff members who telecommute. And then there are those employees whose work arrangements are sometimes virtual. If it seems like everyone is working everywhere, well, that's part of the allure.

A Better Balance
Given the fact that technology is able to accommodate an individual's preference as well as bridge the distance gap, more and more people are requesting offsite employment. The attraction for many is obvious. A person is able to work when he or she is most productive. For certain positions, such as those requiring creativity, there is also a solitude that lends itself to the work. In addition, many people wish to find a way to better balance family and career and, for these folks,…