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Welcome to A-level ICT
TELEWORKING / VIDEO CONFERENCING
Teleworking – using ICT to work from home using computer networks rather than in the workplace, saves on transport cost time etc. Needs a modem, or some other means of connecting to an ISP or company Intranet.
Video conferencing – is where ICT is used to allow people in one location to see and talk with people in another location. Needs a reliable broadband connection.
Allows remote/regional meetings
Consultation at a distance e.g. skin cases referred to experts.
Advantages of teleworking for the employee
• Teleworking makes it easier for people to live and work where they choose, as it is
possible for some staff to work from home (less stressful).
• It reduces traffic congestion and carbon dioxide emissions and is therefore ‘greener’ / this has an environmental benefit since there is no commuting to work
• Not having to travel to work/meetings saves time/money.
• Ideal for disabled i.e. it empowers the disabled to be able to work from home
• Flexibility of working hours/more flexible use of their time/Work your own hours / Fit around family commitments / No need to take time off to see workmen
Disadvantages of teleworking to the employee
• Home costs such as heating, lighting increase
• Employee may feel isolated. Do not have face to face contact with colleagues which some people prefer.
• Some employers may pay teleworkers less as there is more competition for jobs
• No workmates to go out with/socialise
• Boundary between home and work is lost
• Loss of status for some staff – no plush offices, etc.
• May not be a quiet place in the house to work/can get distracted
• Passed over for promotion
Advantages of teleworking for the employer/company
• no need to bring employees from different locations together, saving time and cost
of travel
• Fewer backup staff need to be employed (e.g. cleaners, caretakers)
• Staff less likely to spend time off sick/ Smaller offices are needed
• Reduced office overheads (electricity, gas, insurance, etc.)
• Staff may be more amenable to working flexible hours
• Retaining skilled workers / maternity
• Employ workers from a wider pool of talent
• Comfortable environment can lead to greater productivity - expensive to set up and run.
Disadvantages of teleworking to the employee
• Change to organisational structure may be needed
• Hard to determine how hard staff are working
• Harder for managers to manage the work
• Increased number of sites for ICT equipment may cause more security risks/Expensive to setup and run
• Employers usually pay for the employees’ ICT equipment
• More difficult to hold meetings
• More security risks as more sites
• Health and Safety checks needed on employee home
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