POTENTIAL OF TELECOMMUTING IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Telecommuting refers to a form of remote working, where the worker substitutes telecommunications for the physical travel to the workplace. In a competitive and dynamic labour market, telecommuting may be the key to a firms's success, offering both employers and employees a wide range of benefits. It is already a norm to telework in many developed countries, and hence, its potential in Singapore, where technology is advance, is examined. This potential is gauged by comparing the most pro-telecommuting industries in the developed nations, with the number of such companies in Singapore. The finding shows that potential is greatest in our telecommunications, business/finance and civil service sectors. In addition, factors influencing the feasibility of telecommuting are also discussed. From the individuals' perspective, the potential for telecommuting is assessed by a survey to estimate the overall interest the respondents have for telecommuting. There are indications from the results that remote working is gaining interest and attention among our workforce, and therefore the potential from the individuals' viewpoint is also positive. However, as with all policies, implementation of a new work arrangement/policy will result in numerous implications affecting both the employers and the employees. A discussion on these implications will also be presented in this dissertation.