Here is a list of 7 great companies who have implemented successful telecommuting programs and currently employ home based workers.

 

AT&T  Home Based Worker: 23,000

The telecommunications giant officially introduced telework in the 1980’s, but managers were slow to catch on to the idea. Thanks to the highly successful “Telecommuting Day” in 1994, where several top dogs stayed home, that all changed. Today the number of AT&T employees that work from home has grown 29 percent.

 

GEORGIA POWER  Home Based Workers: 250

In response to Atlanta’s growing air pollution problem, the electrical utility started a telework program in 1993. On official “smog alert” days, every department is asked to make arrangements for employees to work from home. Better yet, Georgia Power spends up to $9,000 to outfit a home office, which includes the purchase of a high-end computer, printer, fax, office furniture and supplies and an ISDN line. Demand for the program is high, say company officials, but participation is expected to grow.

 

MERRILL LYNCH  Home Based Workers: 2,300

Financial services provider Merrill Lynch introduced several telecommuting programs in 1995. All equipment is selected and paid for by Merrill Lynch. They also inspect home offices for safety and ergonomics before an employee is allowed to telecommute. Employees receive training in such areas as setting up a home office, connection to the company network and how telework affects customers and co-workers. Before employees are allowed to work from home, they must spend six days in the “Telework Simulation Lab” where they will have access to a computer, phone fax and little else.

 

NORTEL NETWORKS  Home Based Workers: 5,000

The telecommunications equipment maker’s HomeBase program began in 1994. Today, more than 250 new home based workers are joining each month. Nortel pays for virtually everything its full-time teleworkers need, including home office furniture. At some locations, several popular office modules are on display for prospective employees to choose from.

 

THE HARTFORD FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP  Home Based Workers: 4,000

The Hartford has offered telecommuting as one of eight flexible work options since 1996. Now, the telecommuting program is so successful, the company cannot say exactly how many workers they have working from home. All request for home based work are either approved or denied by individual managers. All staff members are eligible to apply and The Hartford even offers a class to help employees create their proposals and requests for home based work. The company may pay for everything from equipment to furniture and office supplies.

 

BOOKMINDERS INC  Home Based Workers: 32 and growing

Bookminders is a company that outsources bookkeeping services for small companies. All employees work from home. The staff members, most of whom are women with young children, work between 20 and 40 hours per week. Once an employee is hired, Bookminders sends a technician to the house to install all necessary software and install a second phone line. Bookminders also provides all employees with a 20 page employee handbook, an email account and technical support.

 

ARTHUR ANDERSEN  Home Based Workers: 80

This consulting firm launched a formal telecommuting program in 1998. Telecommuting is one of four flexible work arrangements that the company has made available to employees. All employees are eligible for home based work. 

 

 

 

Resources: THE SOHO MAGNIFICENT 7