Workplace

As gas prices climb and network technology becomes commonplace, more businesses are letting employees work remotely, said Laura Palotie in Inc. “In a survey of 150 business managers, 69 percent said it was common for employees to telecommute.” The survey, by staffing firm OfficeTeam, also found that most managers expect the number of telecommuters to increase over the next five years. In fact, many businesses say the option to telecommute is a more popular perk than stock options or workplace child care.

Telecommuting can seem a dream for some office-bound wretches, said Liz Wolgemuth in U.S. News & World Report. Not only can you avoid the “gut-wrenching” cost of filling your tank, you can take conference calls in pajamas and do laundry on your lunch break. “Might as well call it tele-comfort, or tele-convenience.” But working from home can be career suicide if you get too cozy. To address the “out of sight, out

of mind” dilemma, schedule regular phone calls with your boss and stay in close contact with co-workers. And inform your spouse that working from home doesn’t mean you’re available to pick up the dry cleaning.

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