Ellen offers more than ten years of public relations and internal communications experience for a variety of clients in multiple industries, including Emerson Network Power, Hewlett-Packard and Synopsys. Prior to joining Fahlgren Mortine, Ellen was with MCA Public Relations, where she provided PR support for clients in the semiconductor, life sciences, and flat panel display industries. Ellen holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon.

By Ellen Van Etten, Account Director

Remote working…mobile teleworking…telecommuting…e-lancing.

No matter how you slice or dice it, we all know that working remotely has become a major trend in the U.S. work force.  According to a Yankee Group survey of 178 U.S. businesses with 20 - 99 employees, 79% had mobile workers, with an average of 11 mobile workers per company.

This trend is growing…and fast.

In 2003, there were 4.4 million U.S. employees working at home with broadband.  By 2004, the number soared to 8.1 million, an 84% increase (Source: 2004 American Interactive Consumer Survey conducted by The Dieringer Research Group).  In fact, there is even a Telework Advisory Group for World at Work, who attributes the rising trend to a combination of factors, including the proliferation of high speed/broadband (which has made it both less expensive and more productive to work remotely) and the willingness of more employers to embrace both flexibility and work-life balance.

So, what are the pros and cons?  As a public relations professional who has worked remotely for more than five years, I can tell you there are plenty of both.  The benefits include the most convenient commute available (walking across the hall), being able to do a job that you love with the conveniences of your own home surrounding you, and basically having the freedom to live wherever you desire.  

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