Advantages of telecommuting include all of the following except
Select one:
A reduced turnover __________________________________________________________________
B decreased absenteeism and leave usage __________________________________________________________________
C flexible work schedules direct visual surveillance of employees __
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C: flexible work schedules direct visual surveillance of employees.
Explanation:
Telecommuting, or working from home, offers several advantages, but direct visual surveillance is not one of them. Let’s break down each option:
A: Reduced turnover
Telecommuting can significantly reduce turnover rates. Employees are often happier and more loyal when they have the flexibility to work from home. This flexibility allows workers to achieve a better work-life balance, reducing stress and burnout, which are common reasons for high turnover. Additionally, offering telecommuting options can be an attractive benefit for potential hires, helping companies retain skilled employees.
B: Decreased absenteeism and leave usage
Telecommuting tends to reduce absenteeism and the usage of leave. Employees are less likely to miss work due to minor illnesses or personal issues when they are working from home. The ability to work remotely makes it easier for employees to attend to personal matters without needing to take a day off. Moreover, the flexibility of working remotely allows employees to continue working even when they are not feeling 100% well, thereby reducing the number of sick days taken.
C: Flexible work schedules direct visual surveillance of employees
This option is the outlier. The term “direct visual surveillance of employees” refers to the ability of managers to physically see their employees at work, which is a feature that is not present in telecommuting. In a traditional office setting, employers can directly observe employees to ensure they are staying productive. However, in a telecommuting arrangement, employees are working remotely, making it difficult for employers to monitor them visually. Telecommuting generally emphasizes results rather than the process, meaning productivity is measured by output, not the constant supervision of an employee’s actions.
Thus, while telecommuting offers various benefits such as flexibility and reduced absenteeism, it does not allow for the direct visual surveillance of employees, which is a characteristic more commonly associated with in-office work.