Distributed workforce

A Distributed workforce is a workforce that reaches beyond the restrictions of a traditional office environment. As in the definition of the term "distribute – To disburse through a space or over an area," a distributed workforce is disbursed geographically over a wide area – domestically or internationally. By installing key technologies, distributed companies enable employees located anywhere to access all of the company’s resources and software such as applications, data and e-mail without working within the confines of a physical company-operated facility.

Description

This is not a virtual business, where employees are distributed but remain primarily unconnected. A company with a distributed workforce connects its employees using a networking infrastructure that makes it easy for team members across the world to work together. Using a shared software approach called SaaS, or Software as a Service, workers and teams can share files securely as well as access the company’s databases, file sharing, telecommunications/unified communications, Customer relationship management (CRM), video teleconferencing, human resources, IT service management, accounting, IT security, web analytics, web content management, e-mail, calendars and much more.

Benefits

• Employees are able to work from home during early morning and late night hours when it is more convenient for them, as well as work limited hours on weekends, holidays and sick days.
• Employees are able to achieve more quality work hours by avoiding many distractions caused by office environments.
• Employees and employers eliminate the commute back and forth to a physical office, employees can gain hours of additional productivity and save money on gas, thus producing lower carbon emissions and making the company more “green" environmentally friendly
• Response time is improved as employees can respond to their colleagues and clients at any time, anywhere with access to e-mail and company files.
• Greater work/life balance may be achieved through a distributed workforce.
• Companies can hire seasoned professionals, with veteran expertise and skills based anywhere, as opposed to hiring the best that can be found based on geographic location.
• Employers can obtain quality employees at a lower cost because the cost of living for someone in a small town is a fraction of what it is in a major metropolitan city. Additionally, employees’ costs are reduced due to lack of transportation costs, saving expenses.
• Managers can monitor employee activity and quickly establish its presence in a new location.
• Employers can also cut costs such as purchasing or leasing a facility/ office space in addition to providing office supplies to employees.
• Employee turnover and sick days are reduced with a distributed workforce.
• Employers benefit from a more satisfied work force who can work on their own terms and sustain their own work/life balance.