The benefits of telecommuting are often discussed through the lens of the employee. That is, the remote worker stands to benefit the most from such arrangement, as they eliminate their commute, can spend more time with their families, and can log in wearing casual attire.

However there are benefits to the company as well, most notably improved employee morale and greater productivity. Yet another benefit that often goes unrecognized is the ability for employers to greatly expand the talent pool, thereby attracting more qualified employees.

Previously, employers had to hire individuals from a relatively small radius – say, 100 square miles within the home office. But the amount of employees – not to mention qualified employees – within any given area is finite. This is why, naturally, companies traditionally set up shop in large cities or areas in proximity to universities.

Telecommuting changes this equation forever. Now employers can hire talent who live 3,000 miles away. Or they can re-locate to smaller or more business-friendly towns yet still be able to attract qualified workers.

Of course, a 100% telecommuting arrangement may not be ideal for every company. They require remote workers to appear in the home office once or twice a month, for example, underscoring the need for scheduling software to manage these kinds of unique arrangements.