There is a downside, though. There is a loss of connection with colleagues. You may also run into situations where, there often being a written record now of even the most spontanious question, casual bouncing off of ideas and processes becomes effectively discouraged. Where you might have wandered down a couple of cubicles and brainstormed a problem with a colleague, it may become a little more complicated for some of us to do that today. Another element for me is learning and development. Back when I began new roles, one thing that always helped me was to listen to my colleagues, and sometimes my colleagues did likewise. We all learned from each other. I learned to tailor my phone conversations based, in part, on some of the great people with whom I worked closely; I patterned some of my techniques after their effective practices. This kind of thing becomes a bit difficult for the teleworker.
There are always other ways to improve one's work, of course, but losing that feedback loop from one's colleagues can prove a negative. Sitting day after day in one's empty house can also prove to be a tad isolating. How would the employer who accepts teleworking take steps to make it a healthier environment for all its workers? I don't think the answer is to necessarily drop it in its entirety, but it seems if there were more opportunities to come together as a workplace or unit, it would be a good thing. (And don't subtly discourage it by requiring the use of leave time to attend.) Let's face it: Teams is great (I guess), but it is no replacement for face-to-face communication where relationships are built and strengthened. In a day and age where so much of our lives represents a "connection illusion," creating a virtual workplace seems to betray a certain ignorance of human nature. If you peruse the internet for information and studies on the darker side of teleworking, there is a lot out there to read. Many studies have been conducted in this area, and I am sure many more are underway. Some of the negative observed consequences are interesting. From a blurred separation of home and work to isolation, telework isn't necessarily all it is cracked up to be.
I am thankful that I am not beginning my career with this professional experience to look forward to for decades to come. Looking back on the memorable office times- the laughter and the shared sorrows- these were spent in the presence of other human beings and not isolated in a house miles away from colleagues who oftentimes became friends.
