The trend for telecommuting has been around for a while, but it took publicity from Google’s Quality of Life benefits to help it gain acceptance. According to the 2009 Gartner Report, there were over 14 million telecommuters in 2009, which only represents about 2 percent of those who could work virtually. In coming years, we’re likely to see that number increase dramatically as more of the Millennials, or Generation Y workers influence the workplace. These workers are not cube-dwellers, they are an instant gratification, naturally multi-tasking, technology-eating/breathing and consuming force that will join the voices of the older Baby Boomers who are also demanding flexibility in their work opportunities. The benefits to the US economy and environment will be tremendous. Take a look at: (http://www.inc.com/magazine/20100401/telecommuting-by-the-numbers.html ) What the U.S. could save if more people worked from home.

Quite honestly, if the internet access had been better in rural Charleston, Bates Design would have gone virtual years ago. As it is, it took a recession, and a big empty nest (vacated by three sons while away at college), to get us to finally take the plunge in 2009. A year later we have reaped our own Quality of Life benefits. Beyond the usual “working in our PJs” benefit, we have been freed from the 9-5 office rigidity, which frankly doesn’t always fit well with the way designer people need to work. Granted, most of our work day still includes the core hours that our clients are working – we even tend to work more hours than we used to – but it’s far more enjoyable now. At the end of the day, our freedom to live and work in our own unique style has increased our quality of life immeasurably.

Read about the additional benefits of the virtual office at: What the U.S. could save if more people worked from home.
http://www.inc.com/magazine/20100401/telecommuting-by-the-numbers.html