Corporate entities nation wide have been jumping on the band wagon of “Going Green”. I find it odd that the notion of being environmentally conscious in the business world has only gained traction in the past year or two. The notion of going green has largely been popularized by former President Bill Clinton and a spear headed endeavor by former Vice President Al Gore, earning a man that most of America deemed as incompetent the Nobel Peace Prize. The only issue is that the approach they are taking is a half-ass effort for the most part. They promote using recycled papers and energy efficient lighting, the use of solar power and such which are all good things. But there is an opportunity for business to be good again, the question is will they embrace the opportunity?

It is estimated that 40% of todays workforce could feasibly work from home. With rising gas costs, shortage of fuel and increasing distances for commutes do to over population and lack of jobs adds up to one thing… stupidity. By allowing workers to telecommute (work from home) much of the cost of operating the business is excluded. By elevating the actual cost of a building, the cost of lighting, heating, security, and general operations would all be unnecessary. Traffic congestion, pollution and emissions, and gas dependency would all be decreased exponentially. By moving to a digital workplace the cost of paper, pens, copies water coolers are all alleviated. Businesses would have more money to spend on infrastructure, new product development, employee health benefits that actually are worth something, and maybe even earn more profit which is the real reason we are all in business to begin with.

Recently, James Bates, an old colleague of mine living in Norcross, Georgia was interviewed regarding his telecommuting experience.