For many employees, there’s no place like
home. But while technology has made telecommuting a possibility, one CEO is
putting a stop to it, sparking controversy. In a memo that
leaked online last week, Yahoo! boss Marissa Mayer informed employees that they
are no longer allowed to work from home.
Mayer claims telecommuting reduces productivity, harms work quality and
prevents effective communication. “To become the absolute best place to work,
communication and collaboration will be important, so we need to be working
side-by-side,” the memo reads. Starting June 1st, all Yahoo! employees must
come into the office every day- or quit. The policy change has drawn criticism
for being outdated and counterproductive- in fact, some companies
say allowing employees to work from home enables them to get more done with
fewer distractions. They’re also happier and more loyal to their employers.
Working remotely saves employees valuable time (not to mention money) they’d
otherwise waste commuting. There are benefits to companies as well, aside from happier,
more productive workers. Businesses can cut real estate costs by allowing
workers to telecommute.