Should Employees Work On Site?
Article Summary
Presented by Lisa Keith
Instructor: Terry Sulis
MGMT 1010 – Organizational Behaviour
April 8, 2013
Lisa Keith
Organizational Behaviour (MGMT 1010)
Article #1
“Should Companies Make Employees Work On Site?”
Michael Boyer, O’Leary
Copyright 2013 the U.S. News & World Report, L.P. All rights reserved
https://login.ezproxy.nscc.ca/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=86066039&site=ehost-live
April 8, 2013
March 8, 2013
Article Summary
The article begins with a statement of a recent decision by Yahoo to ban telecommuting. It continues by posing the question of whether or not other companies should ban telecommuting as well.
The article cites several studies that are in favour of telecommuting so long as it is well-managed. There is also mention that telecommuting is not for all employees but that the ability to choose can increase overall performance. After detailing the studies, Yahoo’s decision is brought back to the foreground of the article. Telecommuting was banned because the CEO, Marissa Mayer, believed that it prevented coworkers from collaborating.
In the conclusion, the author restates that appropriate management is the key to getting the most benefit from telecommuting employees. He also states that, as the employees that the decision affects are experienced, they should be held accountable by the quality of their work as opposed to their workplace.
Personal comments
The article is biased in favour of telecommuting; however, as the article is an opinion piece, this was not unexpected. The information cited is still valid and I agree with the opinions stated.
Telecommuting affects the employees by allowing them more flexibility between home and work, allowing them to choose when they work best. Obviously the lack or limitation of direct contact with coworkers can have an effect on the organization as a whole but the reduced stress and increased employee loyalty can balance out any potentially negative consequences so long as things are well managed.
Bibliography
O'Leary, M. B. (2013, March 8). Should Companies Make Employees Work On Site? Ipswich, MA, USA.