Telecommuter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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telecommuter

[หŒtษ›lษชหˆkษ™หmjสŠtษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

work arrangement

A telecommuter is an employee who works outside of the traditional office environment, often from home, utilizing technology to communicate and perform their job duties. This arrangement allows individuals to maintain a flexible work schedule and can contribute to a better work-life balance. Telecommuting has become increasingly popular with the advent of the internet and digital communication tools, enabling remote collaboration. Organizations may adopt telecommuting policies to reduce overhead costs and attract talent from a wider geographic area.

Synonyms

homeworker, remote worker, teleworker.

Examples of usage

  • Many telecommuters prefer to set their own hours.
  • The company promotes telecommuting to enhance employee satisfaction.
  • During the pandemic, telecommuting became a necessity for many businesses.

Translations

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Origin of 'telecommuter'

The term 'telecommuter' emerged in the 1970s, coinciding with advancements in communication technology, such as the telephone and later, personal computers. It combines the prefix 'tele-', derived from Greek 'tฤ“le', meaning 'distant' or 'far off', and 'commuter', which refers to a person who travels to and from work. The concept gained traction as more organizations recognized the benefits of allowing employees to work remotely. In the 1980s and 1990s, with the rise of the internet, telecommuting began to expand significantly, facilitating new forms of work arrangements. By the early 21st century, telecommuting became a prevalent work style, particularly as digital connectivity and mobile technology further enhanced the feasibility of working from diverse locations, ultimately reshaping traditional work dynamics.