The 9-to-5 job is almost nonexistent. Just a few years ago, you were expected to commute to work, put in your hours and drive back home. Once you left work, it your job was done until you came back into the office the next day.
That has all changed thanks to laptops, smartphones, tablets and Wi-Fi. As long as you have an Internet connection, you can complete practically all of your work tasks remotely. As a result, telecommuting is on the rise, and more work is completed via mobile devices, creating a growing mobile workforce.
A recent International Data Corp. (IDC (News - Alert)) report estimates that in the next three years, mobile workers will increase worldwide to more than one-third (37.2 percent) of the global workforce.
IDC divided the mobile workforce into three categories: office-based mobile workers, non-office-based mobile field workers and home-based mobile workers. Between 2010 and 2015, IDC expects the number of mobile workers in the Americas -- including mobile workers in Central and South America -- to increase by 16 percent, from 182.5 million to 212.1 million.
Businesses have begun developing solutions due to the increase in mobile workers. GoToMyPC, which is owned by Citrix (CTXS), allows users to log into computers remotely and has been adopted by many telecommuters to access a work computer from different devices. Global Investment Holdings has also recently announced their GlobalLOK software program is being targeted at the growing telecommuting population by allowing a user's computer to be remotely monitored.
Companies who have a mobile workforce have seen several benefits that have helped create a productive and well-balanced workforce, including:
Improved Customer Relations: Allows employees to respond more quickly to customer needs.
Increased Availability: Provides more innovative solutions for customers and open avenues to increasing customer base and reaching new revenue potential.
Increased Productivity: Access to data not limited to “in-office” hours, takes advantage of travel time using mobile gadgets, and allows mobile workers to work at anytime from anywhere.
Improved Morale: Helps workers create balance in their lives which in turn results in better work performance.
Available Technology: It is no longer as costly to provide mobile gear to workers, while many workers also already possess the mobile gear required to work remotely.
Cost Savings: Companies can rent smaller office spaces and decrease overhead for other expenses related to renting space.
Government Incentives: Government incentives to implement mobile work programs help decrease commuter congestion and promote healthier work styles.
Positive Impact on Environment: Decrease car emissions by promoting alternative means of travel and mobile workers to work from home.
Improved Hiring Practices: Create opportunities for inclusive hiring practices and the ability to hire the best person for the job no matter where they may be located.
With these major advantages in mind, maybe it’s time for your business to incorporate a mobile workforce.