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Surveys of Sun Microsystems employees reveal that they are consistently satisfied with the at-home and mobile work environments. Most feel they are more productive and have a better overall quality of life.

For Hans Bauman, project manager, Sun Microsystems Information Technology, Arlington, Virginia, the company’s iWork program eliminates a one and a half hour commute each day. “I actually work 100 percent remotely. I only see most colleagues once or twice a year, although some I’ve never met despite working closely with them for more than three years. Despite my remote work arrangement, the technologies available to me help level the playing field, and I don’t feel I am at a real disadvantage relative to my colleagues,” he explains.

But Bauman saves time in other ways as well. He can move from one meeting to another in a matter of seconds using the company’s Sun Ray equipment and a broadband connection. “I am able to be effective any day of the week, at any time of the day. We are able to assemble teams with the best and brightest from anywhere around the globe rather than being limited to co-located workers for a particular project,” he says.

Mark Wartenberg, program architect, Sun Microsystems Technical Infrastructure, Burlington, Massachusetts, agrees that the flexible work environment offers several benefits. “The biggest advantage is being able to balance work and home, and the second is a greater opportunity and ability to work with people across the worldwide time zones. My job often requires a 10 p.m. telephone call with colleagues in Hong Kong or India, and it’s not a problem. I can balance the time elsewhere in the day,” he explains.

Wartenberg, who saves about two hours commuting time each day, says there’s nothing he misses about being in the office. In fact, about 95 percent of his interaction is with other Sun employees, clients and other firms’ staff members who do not live or work anywhere near the office.

Working at home is not without drawbacks. Bauman points out telecommuters do not get the “water cooler” interaction with co-workers. “It’s important to make allegiances and stay in close contact with colleagues who are getting this kind of ‘buzz’ to ensure you don’t fall out of touch—or get forgotten. ‘Out of sight, out of mind’ is a problem one can effectively overcome by being very proactive and forthright on communication channels, be it e-mail or telephone. It can also be difficult to maintain team spirit when groups are distributed across the globe. So, we have to continually work to foster our relationships to enhance a strong team spirit,” he says.

Wartenberg admits that telecommuting compels workers to learn quickly how to be more disciplined in their work ethic. “You have to spend your time far more efficiently and effectively in everything you do,” he says.