Telework Research Network Information

Only 3% of the U.S. workforce currently telecommutes the majority of the time (not including the self-employed), but 40% hold jobs that could be done from home. If those employees who could telework did so just half of the time (roughly the national average for those who already do): - The nation would save 453 million barrels of oil (57% of Gulf oil imports)—a national savings of $31 billion per year (at $70/barrel) - The environment would be saved from 84 million tons or greenhouse gases a year–the equivalent of taking 15 million cars off the road. - The energy potential from the gas savings alone would total more than twice what the U.S. currently produces from all renewable energy source combined. - National productivity would increase by 6.2 million man-years/year ($200 billion worth of work). - Businesses would save $194 billion annually in real estate, electricity, absenteeism, and turnover. - Employees would individually save between $2,500 and $11,000 in transportation and work-related costs. In addition, many would also be able to cut daycare and eldercare costs. - Employees would gain back an extra 2.5 weeks worth of time per year--time they’d have otherwise spent commuting. - Communities would save over $3 billion in highway maintenance because 180 billion fewer miles would be driven each year. - 150,000 people/year would be saved from traffic-related injury or death. - $18 billion a year would be saved in accident-related costs. All that adds up to an annual economic benefit of over $800 billion a year. Specialties Telecommuting, telework research and advocacy