It seems that opinions vary as to whether or not telecommuters are more at risk at being laid off than their office-based counterparts. Here's my opinion.
I do believe that telecommuters are more at risk when it comes to being laid off. Now before you start posting nasty notes, notice how I said that I do believe and not that I think they should be the ones selected to go! Here's why:
Out of site, out of mind certainly holds true. Many boomers, who are often the ones making these decisions, still subscribe to the book of face time. Of course face time cannot be accurately measured for a telecommuter, unless the telecommuter Skypes into his employer and remains in front of his computer all day. So when these lists are being put together, it's easier to eliminate those people who you may not interact with on a daily basis.
If you are a telecommuter who lives close enough to the office then may I suggest that you make it a point to work at least one day a week in the office. While there, be sure to connect with other team members as well as your boss. A reminder every now and again of the fact you are more than just employee #05469 working in Tulsa certainly can't hurt. And who knows, the visibility may actually keep you employed during these tumultuous economic times.
