Communication in the Workplace

Case Study #2

Q1: What is your opinion of the effectiveness of the telecommuting program at the travel agency so far?

After 2 months of the telecommuting programs has been launched, there is no substantial complaint has been heard from the employees or the clients. Therefore, the telecommuting program is a success, and Sue and Russ have succeeded their goal, avoiding the expense and effort of relocation the business. The employees received significant benefits from the program. The program has enhanced the quality of work life because the workers have more control over the working environments. Also, they may be healthier because they feel less stress. The company and the owners were benefited from the teleworkers productivity improvement as well. On top of that, they saved money on real estates, facilities and overhead costs because the teleworkers don’t need to be in the office space every day.

Q2: What evidence should Sue and Russ be seeking to know if the telecommuting program is beneficial to travel agency?

After the interview, Sue and Russ should consider the benefits including increasing productivity, financial saving from reduction of facility expense, and a better quality of work life. Ever since they started this program, some workers, like Kim, Kristine and Cindy, are now having better work experience because they feel less stress and experience less multasking distractions working at home. With an improved working environment, workers will most likely increase the productivity and the quality of their work. Sue and Russ should compare the current productivity with that before the program starts. However, they need to ensure that the extra distraction from home will not affect the job quality. They should seek if the facility and utilities expenses ever decrease since there is less workers work in the office. Therefore, if Sue and Russ expect the telecommuting program to improve the employee’s efficiency, they should be carefully selected the...