ICT and Modern Living: Revision

ICT and Modern Living: Revision Topic: Working from HomeChanges in the way people work. Advances in communication mean people no longer have to commute to an office every day. They can co-operate with others on projects and each contribute their work without ever meeting their colleagues.This is possible as the Internet allows fast communications and the exchange of documents happens easily.Employers can communicate with their employees wherever they happen to be.When working from home, employees use the usual software they would when in an office, including email, and spreadsheet or word processing.Those self-employed can easily be working on several projects at once.Advantages to Employees Travel costs decreased - costs such as fuel, parking or potential tickets is eliminated by working from home and not commuting each day. As a result of this, the employee's carbon footprint is reduced, helping the evironment in today's world; Allows employee to decide when they want to work and adjust their working times to suit themselves - they are not restriced to set working hours; Less "office gossip," and distractions. Disadvantages to Employees Working at home requires the employee to have a reliable and good internet connection - this is not alwayspossible. For example, some areas of the country don't have broadband or it may be too expensive to the employee to install and use; The worker must have a computer system that is sufficient to carry out the tasks needed - there must also be care taken when keeping files and data safe and secure. Proper backup and security procedures must be demonstrated and these may be expensive and may be difficult for non-computer experts to set up and use; When working from home, the employee may be interrupted by friends or family; There is reduced contact with other workers and the employee may feel isolated from the management and not kept informed of changes, progress of work or any possible promotions. Advantages to Employers Employers do not need to provide as many offices or office equipment at work - though they may have to provide equipment and software for use by employees at home; Employers will not have to pay any travelling expenses or provide parking for their employees. Disadvantages to Employers The employer has less control over equipment bought for staff; Employers cannot supervise their workers so closely and may not know how the work is progressing.

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