Final answer:
The trend toward telecommuting in congested metropolitan areas aims to reduce traffic congestion and pollution while saving resources, by encouraging employees to work from home.
Step-by-step explanation:
The trend of setting up home offices and allowing employees to telecommute is primarily aimed at addressing several urban challenges such as traffic congestion, high levels of pollution, and the overconsumption of resources. With increasing urbanization and the shift from active work to service industries, telecommuting has become a viable solution to reduce the negative impact of congested metropolitan areas. This trend serves multiple purposes, including reducing the number of vehicles on the road, which in turn minimizes emissions, saves resources like fuel, and potentially lessens the need for expanding corporate office spaces. The purpose of this trend, in the context of the options provided, would be to save resources (Option 2) and to encourage employees to work from home (Option 3), with the overarching goal of alleviating traffic congestion and improving environmental conditions.