As you explore teleworking capabilities, keep in mind a few recent findings.The Telework Exchange issued a report earlier this month on its findings with regard to the workforce challenges still faced in allowing employees to work from home. The full PDF of the press release issued in conjunction with this report is embedded below.

In short, Telework Exchange reports that while "81 perfect of government and business IT decision markers have written business continuity plans [but] report implementation challenges and lack assurance that employees could work remotely during an emergency."

The findings later state, "In addition to business continuity driving the requirement to empower the remote workforce, mainstream mobility demand is rising in organizations. Eighty-four perfect of surveyed IT decision makers believe the need for mobility in their organization has increased in the past year and telework is the leading driver."

So why am I throwing out all these quotes? Well, as 2010 rolls in it brings with it a time to assess where your organization stands in many areas, including how you're modernizing your infrastructure to deal with the new breed of workers. Sure, a good percentage of employees want/need to telework, and keeping up with is important. But even more important is giving your company access to the best talent possible, regardless of where the talent resides. You can do this with teleworking. With the proper telework set up, you can also have an inherent business continuity plan. What allows this? Simply have your telework business communications system based in the network. A network-based solution gives your employees the freedom to work from wherever they need, using any device to take and make calls of their choice. Their presence, associated skills, and business rules that apply to them are then monitored in real-time to ensure that an incoming customer is connected to the right employee to help them, regardless of from where the employee is working--in the office, on the road, teleworking from home, or remote on a mobile phone. So in the new year, keep the findings of the study in mind and take an honest assessment of your business and its teleworking needs in the upcoming year.

As a side note, we've had a great year here at OnState, and look forward to an even better 2010. May you all enjoy a wonderful New Year's Eve, and a prosperous New Year.