Ask most people holding down the typical 9-5 office job, and they'll tell you that they would love to be able to telecommute a day or two, or even more, each week.  Telecommuting is simply being able to work from home, using the Internet and your home resources, to get your regular office work done virtually the same as you would if you were at the office.

Add in the fact that gasoline prices are at an all-time-high, with no end in site, and you'll see why so many more people are attracted to the potential of telecommuting.

Personally, I spend about $16.50 for gas each day I drive to work.  This isn't something I'm proud of.  I don't like the expense, I don't like the wasted time, and I certainly don't like the impact my drive has on the environment.  Luckily, I am an independent contractor, which affords me some flexibility in how I do my work.  I'm currently only doing this commute 3 times a week, which still means I'm spending over $2500.00 a year on gas alone (at today's prices).  Now I'm considering putting some effort in to setting up the tools I use to do my work to allow for even more of it to be done remotely.  Maybe I can knock this down to twice each week, but that certainly would be the lower limit.

I realize that I'm lucky, and that all too many people are stuck having to commute to their jobs every day.  As such, I'm putting forth this call to action by both employers and employees alike.

Employees: Talk to your employer and encourage them to establish a telecommuting program in your company.  Let them know you understand not all jobs are telecommuting-friendly, but that many are.  Let them know that telecommuters are often more productive at home than they are at the office. Just perform a search on "telecommuters are more productive at home", and you'll find the results of studies that back this up.  But don't put the burden solely on your employer.  Be prepared for telecommuting.  I found a great article online, 20 Great Ways to Be a More Productive Telecommuter.  

Employers: Seriously consider the benefits of telecommuters.  Recognize that they can be more productive and happier employees, which means more/better work done and better job retention.  If part of your benefits include parking or commuting reimbursement, you may even save some money there, too.

Based on the recent reduction in American driving, I estimate we put half-a-trillion miles on the road each month.  (In November to April, we cut back 1% in driving, which totaled 30 billion fewer miles.  Staggering!)  Just imagine the reduction in fuel use and in the impact on the environment if just a few of us could telecommute a few days to work.

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