About ten years ago I worked as a secretary for a screen printing company. We had sales reps who worked in the office, and reps who worked from home. Since my job entailed answering and screening phone calls, I had to hide the fact that some of our reps worked from home. If a customer called for a telecommute rep, I would take a message and contact the rep with the information. I never questioned the reason behind the big secret. I did my job like a good little secretary and kept my mouth shut.

But, I couldn’t help but think: so what if a few employees telecommuted? As long as their aren’t kids crying or loud background noise, what’s the big deal? They had to report to the office on a regular basis, and a supervisor checked their progress. I assume the company wanted to project the most professional image possible, in which telecommute employees didn’t fit their ideal description.

Because some work at home jobs involve customer contact, a company might require it’s workers to stay mum on the telecommute arrangement. After putting myself in the company’s shoes, I can better understand their position. I don’t think hiring telecommuters makes a company less professional. And if a client discovers that a employee works from home, it shouldn’t become an issue. On the other hand, I realize the need for damage control.

Some telecommuters lack discretion. They may answer the telephone with the television or kids playing in the background, or they may put off customers to tend to personal matters. Employers are generally open to a telecommute arrangement - as long as work and home don’t collide. Maybe employers feel that telecommuters will uphold a professional image and be more conscious of their surroundings when forbidden to disclose their location.

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