Telecommuting work programs: A feasibility study for a government department

Abstract

The purpose of this report was to gather relevant information about telecommuting, in order to provide the Manager of the Operations Services Department of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) with a source of relevant and useful data that could assist with looking into telecommuting in the future. An extensive literature review was carried out, focusing on defining and explaining telecommuting, the origins of telecommuting, the perceived advantages and disadvantages of telecommuting, and summarizing telecommuting in New Zealand. A feasibility study was carried out on behalf of the Manager, to determine whether or not the employees of the Operations Services Department were considered ready to take part in a telecommuting program with the Inland Revenue Department in the future. It was found that the employees were both ready and willing to explore an alternative way of working, in particular telecommuting. Almost all stated an interest in having a more flexible working life. This has implications for the IRD in determining future employment policies. Of the majority who stated an interest in keeping their current jobs, but working at home, most agreed that telecommuting would be preferable on a part time, rather than a full time basis. A need for computer-based training was identified, as was a need to maintain contact amongst employees and management.