We are living in an era of downsizing. We constantly look to find ways to downsize, save money and save time. From the number of employees on staff to the size of our seat on the airplane, services and amenities are shrinking while at the same time technology is expanding our world at a breakneck speed.
Across America companies are trying to find ways to boost their bottom line and save money using the standard business practice of downsizing. Unfortunately, at times this is necessary but its residual effects can negatively impact the strength of our economy. There is another way to save money, teleworking. It's a fact; teleworking actually saves both employers and employees money. According to a telework calculator provided by TeleworkResearchNetwork.com, on average each year a company saves more than $15,000 per telecommuter. For the employer these savings are attributed to employee overhead costs. Employees also realize financial savings benefits because it eliminates commuting costs as well as the time spent commuting. For those in major metropolitan areas this could save up to four hours each day commuting. In addition, long commutes drain employee productivity costing both the employer and employee.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark office is a leader in telework and has an extraordinary telework program, which saves the government $26 million every year in hard costs. Large corporations like IBM and McKesson also offer teleworking opportunities because of the significant savings it provides. Combined they have realized savings of more than $52 million just in real estate costs. In addition, offering telework aides in recruitment and retention of employees. Now companies have the ability to hire the most qualified candidate regardless of geographic location. Gone are the days of relocation expenditures and limited access to the best talent and fit for your business.
Making the transition from the traditional business model to the future telework model is easier than you'd think. Take a moment and think about your personal life, nearly everything you do is done remotely. We deposit checks through an app, pay bills online, handle mail service online, reserve travel online, order groceries and shop online. We check email from the airplane, car, in our home and from countless other venues. We share files and photos through the cloud. We FaceTime or Skype with people around the world. Our smartphones are always on and never leave our side. The telework framework for your business is already set in the tools and resources you apply in your personal life.
America's Small Businesses are the foundation of our economy and also face the greatest risk of survival. Instead of downsizing to survive I propose shifting to telework to save money. For example, if you have an in-house accountant that position is a natural fit for remote work. Positions like marketing, communications, advertising, human resources, talent recruiting, research and analysis, social media, business development, sales, and legal transactional work are all excellent ways to realize the benefits telework provides. Don't get overwhelmed and overhaul the entire culture of the company. Start small and shift gradually, Hire Just One remote military spouse employee and see what all the buzz is about.