Final answer:
Telecommuters are employees who work remotely, often from home, using technology to complete their tasks. This way of working provides flexibility and can affect work-family balance. Telecommuting has become more prevalent due to technological advances and was especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Step-by-step explanation:
Employees who can work outside of their company's main location are typically referred to as telecommuters. This concept encompasses individuals who work remotely, often from their homes, and leverage technology to perform their job duties. Telecommuting offers employees the flexibility to set their own hours and can also have an impact on work-family balance, where it either reduces conflict by offering flexibility or, in some cases, can exacerbate it due to constant presence in the home environment.
Telecommuting has increasingly become a part of the global workforce, influenced by factors such as international business operations and the need to interact with remote teams spread across various time zones. The transition from traditional office work to telecommuting is indicative of the changing landscape of the workplace, influenced by technological advances and evolving societal needs.
The spread of COVID-19 and the related restrictions also highlighted the utility of telecommuting, as many organizations had to adopt remote working policies to enable business continuity while reducing the risk of spreading the virus. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of telecommuting and reflected on the importance of remote working capabilities in modern businesses.