⚡ Get All Content for 20% Off ⚡

4 Reasons Telecommuting Can Be Bad for Business Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer stirred controversy this week by requiring employees report to the office, but not everyone thinks it's a bad idea.

By Stephanie Vozza

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer recently changed the company's policy on working from home – requiring that all employees must now report to an office every day. The move sparked protest from telecommuters who claim they're more productive at home, but not everyone disagrees with the decision.

Here are just a few of the pitfalls of a work force that's too virtual.

1. There may be less opportunity for collaboration.
Small companies thrive on innovation, and the best ideas often come from casual conversations that start over coffee or lunch.

"You can't replace the entrepreneurial results of face-to-face collaboration," says Nick Balletta, chief executive of TalkPoint, a webcasting company based in New York, whose clients use its technology for day-to-day communication with colleagues, clients and stakeholders. "As the owner of an IT company, I worry about what three guys in a garage somewhere might develop. I'm not worried about what three guys in three separate garages might do. There's no substitute for what can happen when you get people in a room together."

2. It could become difficult to understand the company's direction.
Execution of a new business strategy can occur only when employees collectively understand the direction as well as the work that needs to be done, says Cindy Lubitz, founder and managing director of inTalent Consulting, an Atlanta-based human-resources consulting firm.

"Mayer was brought in to save an ailing company," says Lubitz. "From my experience with similarly-sized organizations, I know it's difficult to get everyone on the same page when they're scattered -- a webinar or conference call can only get you so far. At this stage in Yahoo's trajectory, it's time to ensure everyone understands and is in close proximity to the new strategic direction."

3. Your company culture may be lost.
While interruptions that can happen in an office setting may decrease productivity, the payback come in the relationships that develop when there is a team working side by side.

"You can't have a virtual happy hour," says Balletta. "Part of the office environment is developing esprit de corp. That's what builds company culture and drives innovation."

Related: How to Foster Company Culture with Remote Employees

4. Low producers could fly under the radar.
Mayer's new policy could create forced attrition. "Those who don't really want to be there will weed themselves out," says Balletta.

"Today, people not only have to work harder and smarter, they have to work together."

Related: 5 Ways to Cope With Working From Home

Stephanie Vozza is a freelance writer who has written about business, real estate and lifestyle for more than 20 years.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Remote Side Hustle a 43-Year-Old Musician Works on for 1 Hour a Day Earns Nearly $3,000 a Month: 'All From the Comfort of Home'

Sam Ziegler wanted to supplement his income as a professional drummer — then his tech skills and desire to help people came together.

Business News

Costco CFO Reveals Uncertain Fate of $1.50 Hot Dog and Soda Combo

CFO Richard Galanti reveals that the price will stay the same — but only "for a while."

Business News

The Most Unexpectedly Popular Side Hustle of the Decade Has Low Startup Costs and High Markups

A new report shows that vending machines are a popular investment — and the industry is set to grow up to $3 billion by 2031.

Marketing

Ever Wonder Why Certain Websites Rank Higher Than Yours? This SEO Expert Reveals The Secret to Dominating Search Results

It's often the smart use of SEO, now supercharged with AI, particularly in keyword optimization.

Business News

AI Is Impacting Jobs. Here Are the Gigs Affected the Most, According to an Analysis of 5 Million Upwork Postings

The researcher said in the report that freelance jobs were analyzed first because that market will likely see AI's immediate impact.

Leadership

Former Interrogator Shares 5 Behaviors Liars Exhibit and How to Handle Them

Five deceptive behaviors to look for and how to respond to those behaviors when you encounter them.