The problem is that most people will slack off. To work remotely, you almost have to have the same discipline that you do when you work for yourself. Most people don't have this type of discipline.
This isn't much different than many people who go to an office each day. The problem is the management/job that puts attendance over performance. If employers would put performance over all else, it wouldn't matter where someone worked as long as the work was done.
This is true. So it requires managers who, well, manage their teams and allow flex-time/remote privileges appropriately. That's how my employer works--do you get your work done while working remotely or at different hours? Great. Keep it up. Does it seem you're slacking off? In that case, you are going to be asked to adjust your schedule for awhile to get back on track.
True, but that's why flex time and/or remote work should be a two-way street. Almost an unwritten, social contract of sorts. In exchange for the flexibility and freedom to work in a self-directed fashion, the employee must demonstrate that he or she performs under self-direction.
Flex hours/location isn't for everyone. Personally speaking, I believe companies should offer it to everyone and not necessarily restrict it...BUT...let the buyer beware, so to speak. If an employee wants to take up a customized schedule, he or she had better be prepared to do good work under it.
