The National Association for Business Resources says it is against Yahoo and Best Buy's decision to end telecommuting and encourages other employers to think about the consequences before pulling the same move.
"It's unfortunate that the decisions by Yahoo and Best Buy to move away from having virtual employees comes at a time when technology, accessibility of good talent and the realities of family life are converging to create a climate that increasingly supports the value of virtual work," says Jennifer Kluge, CEO of NABR. "Technology has made it possible for companies of any size to hire the best workers, no matter where they are located or the particulars of their home situation, promoting both employee productivity and work-life balance."
Kluge bases her assessment on NABR's research from its Best and Brightest Companies program, which finds 75 percent of recipients offer telecommuting. Recipients report that their employees are their most important asset, and their employees create organizational value and business results. Other reports, such as Engaging Virtual Employees: Innovative Approaches to Fostering Community by The Forum: Business Results Through People, show that telecommuting allows employers to hire the best talent while retaining those who could be hired by competitors.
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"The study also highlights the challenges of engaging employees and promoting relationships and details the strategies that can help make that happen," Kluge says.
Before changing policies, employers should carefully examine the upside of telecommuting, particularly in how it promotes work-life balance for attraction and retention, Kluge adds.
"It's time for business leaders to employ their ingenuity instead of reverting to outdated business practices," Kluge says.
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