November 27, 2007
Citrix Study Shows Increase in 'Web Commuting' Among American Workforce
By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor
Americans on the whole have become more mobile. While this is true in both work and play, the impact it is having on the traditional work environment is changing the way business is conducted. So much so that many American workers even consider remote working ability as a desired extra benefit when seeking employment.
An increasing amount of US workers are finding that their traditional office is becoming more of a touchpad than a daily destination, according to a new study, “Web Commuting & the American Workforce.” This study was recently unveiled by Citrix Online, a division of Citrix Systems (News - Alert), Inc.
The study highlights how more people are performing at least part of their jobs from virtually anywhere, at any hour of the day, due in large part to the technology that allows them to take the office wherever they go. Once referred to as telecommuters, these remote workers are now more aptly dubbed “Web commuters” for their growing reliance on the Internet.
This survey, conducted by the polling company, inc., found that 23 percent of American workers and 41 percent of small business owners regularly work from home or another offsite location. These individuals rely on Web technology such as the Internet, e-mail or programs that allow remote access to office computers or colleagues online.
The study also revealed that of those who currently do not have the ability to do their jobs off site, 62 percent agreed that they would like to be able to do so.
“Web commuting certainly appears to be a trend-in-the-making,” said Kellyanne Conway, CEO and president of the polling company, inc., in a Tuesday statement.
Conway continued: “The technology is so available, and so reasonably priced, that people of all backgrounds, situations and locations are becoming increasingly mobile. The evidence is strong that Web commuting represents a future where the workplace will be everywhere and the workforce, anyone. Employers should take heed, if they want to attract and retain talent, because Web commuting is a benefit people value highly.”
The results of the survey indicate that the ability to work remotely or away from the office at least part of the time is near the top of the list of extra benefits that employees desire. Its relative value was cited ahead of stock options and on-site child care by 14 percent of respondents.
American workers aged 18-34 were most excited about working remotely as 70 percent agreed it would be a welcome opportunity.
“Web commuters are a substantial portion of our customer base,” said Bernardo de Albergaria, vice president and general manager, eCommerce, for Citrix Online, in Tuesday’s statement.
de Albergaria went on: “Services like Web-based remote access, collaboration and support are enabling more and more people to work from anywhere. This is what’s been keeping our company’s growth rate climbing at nearly 50 percent year-over-year.”
“Citrix Online anticipated the demand for Web-based substitutes to office desktops and in-person meetings,” said de Albergaria. “We’ll continue adding to the Web commuter’s tool kit as the boundaries of the global workplace disappear.”
The ability to work off-site relies heavily on the technology available to the individual in order to complete his or her job. In several industries, the option to allow someone to work off-site can greatly contribute to lower attrition and improved employee satisfaction. While not every one or every company is suited to such an arrangement, it can provide significant benefits in the right environment.
An increasing amount of US workers are finding that their traditional office is becoming more of a touchpad than a daily destination, according to a new study, “Web Commuting & the American Workforce.” This study was recently unveiled by Citrix Online, a division of Citrix Systems (News - Alert), Inc.
The study highlights how more people are performing at least part of their jobs from virtually anywhere, at any hour of the day, due in large part to the technology that allows them to take the office wherever they go. Once referred to as telecommuters, these remote workers are now more aptly dubbed “Web commuters” for their growing reliance on the Internet.
This survey, conducted by the polling company, inc., found that 23 percent of American workers and 41 percent of small business owners regularly work from home or another offsite location. These individuals rely on Web technology such as the Internet, e-mail or programs that allow remote access to office computers or colleagues online.
The study also revealed that of those who currently do not have the ability to do their jobs off site, 62 percent agreed that they would like to be able to do so.
“Web commuting certainly appears to be a trend-in-the-making,” said Kellyanne Conway, CEO and president of the polling company, inc., in a Tuesday statement.
Conway continued: “The technology is so available, and so reasonably priced, that people of all backgrounds, situations and locations are becoming increasingly mobile. The evidence is strong that Web commuting represents a future where the workplace will be everywhere and the workforce, anyone. Employers should take heed, if they want to attract and retain talent, because Web commuting is a benefit people value highly.”
The results of the survey indicate that the ability to work remotely or away from the office at least part of the time is near the top of the list of extra benefits that employees desire. Its relative value was cited ahead of stock options and on-site child care by 14 percent of respondents.
American workers aged 18-34 were most excited about working remotely as 70 percent agreed it would be a welcome opportunity.
“Web commuters are a substantial portion of our customer base,” said Bernardo de Albergaria, vice president and general manager, eCommerce, for Citrix Online, in Tuesday’s statement.
de Albergaria went on: “Services like Web-based remote access, collaboration and support are enabling more and more people to work from anywhere. This is what’s been keeping our company’s growth rate climbing at nearly 50 percent year-over-year.”
“Citrix Online anticipated the demand for Web-based substitutes to office desktops and in-person meetings,” said de Albergaria. “We’ll continue adding to the Web commuter’s tool kit as the boundaries of the global workplace disappear.”
The ability to work off-site relies heavily on the technology available to the individual in order to complete his or her job. In several industries, the option to allow someone to work off-site can greatly contribute to lower attrition and improved employee satisfaction. While not every one or every company is suited to such an arrangement, it can provide significant benefits in the right environment.
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communications industry. This information is free to registered users. Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMCnet and has also written for eastbiz.com.
