Cisco Study Finds Substantial Telecommuting Benefits

June 26, 2009 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - In a study of almost 2,000 of its own employees, tech giant Cisco said those who telecommute experienced a significant increase in work-life flexibility, productivity, and overall satisfaction.

A Cisco news release said the company also reaps substantial benefits. A ccording to Cisco's Internet Business Services Group, the company's global strategic consulting arm, the company has generated an estimated annual savings of $277 million in productivity by allowing employees to telecommute and telework.

According to the announcement, Cisco telecommuters recognize the benefits gained by their work program:

• Approximately 69% of the employees surveyed cited higher productivity when working remote, and 75% of those surveyed said the timeliness of their work improved.
• By telecommuting, 83% of employees said their ability to communicate and collaborate with co-workers was the same as, if not better than, it was when working onsite.
• 67% of survey respondents said their overall work quality improved when telecommuting.
• An improved quality of life through telecommuting was cited by 80% of survey respondents.
• Telecommuting can also lead to a higher employee retention rate, as more than 91 % of respondents say telecommuting is somewhat or very important to their overall satisfaction.

Cisco has a large number telecommuters/remote workers:

• 40% of Cisco employees say they are not located in the same city as their manager.
• The average Cisco employee now telecommutes two days per week.
• 60% of the time saved by telecommuting is spent working and 40% is spent on personal time.

Cisco conducted the survey in late 2008. Some 1,992 Cisco employees across five regions (Asia Pacific, emerging markets, European markets, Japan and U.S./Canada) participated in the study.

Fred Schneyer
editors@plansponsor.com