Final answer:
Employees working from their homes or satellite locations are engaged in 1) telecommuting, which is distinct from flexible working, outsourcing, and other work arrangements. Telecommuting can offer benefits such as improved job satisfaction and reduced work-family conflict, but also has its challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Employees who work from their homes or satellite locations are considered to be engaging in telecommuting. This modern work arrangement is driven by advancements in technology and shifts in organizational policies. Telecommuting, also known as remote working, ecommuting, working remotely, or flexible workspace, encompasses employees performing their duties outside of a centralized office environment, often from their homes.
Telecommuting can be attributed to the broadening of the job market and the evolution of the traditional office setting. Employers may offer this flexibility to improve job satisfaction and reduce work-family conflict, as well as to tap into a wider talent pool without geographical constraints. It's important for those wishing to telecommute to confirm such conditions in their contract to ensure the desired work-life balance is officially recognized.
While telecommuting provides considerable flexibility for employees to set their own hours and reduce commuting time, it also presents challenges, such as potential overlaps between work and family responsibilities when working from home. Policies around telecommuting have seen various approaches, with some companies like Yahoo! initially adopting and then rescinding the telecommuting option. Nevertheless, the trend toward remote working remains strong, particularly as organizations strive for increased efficiency and employee satisfaction.