Telecommuting can be an excellent option for cancer survivors who are working through treatment or re-entering the workforce after taking time off. Working from home can eliminate a draining commute, allow for intermittent power naps, create a quiet work-space alternative when chemo brain makes it challenging to focus in a noisy cubicle, and the list of benefits goes on. Yet we often hear from patients who are understandably nervous that their employers won’t be open to letting them work remotely.

However, a recent analysis conducted by Global Workplace Analytics and reported upon by CAC partner FlexJobs carries some good news: The number of people telecommuting has increased significantly over the past 10 years. Furthermore, this research suggests that it’s not only employees who benefit from being able to work remotely — everyone does. Here are some of the key points:

• Since 2005, telecommuting grew 103% among workers who are not self-employed; and increased by 6.5% in 2014 alone.
• The federal government saw the largest growth in its remote workforce — a whopping 424.3%.
• Employees save between $2,000 and $7,000 per year by working from home.
• Businesses save approximately $11,000 per person per year, thanks to telecommuting. 
• By increasing the number of telecommuters across the U.S., we could see a national savings of more than $700 billion per year. 

So if you’re thinking of asking your employer about telecommuting as a reasonable accommodation, keep in mind that more employers are amenable to the idea than ever before. And remember, the key to any conversation about work-related modifications is to consider and address your employer’s needs as well as your own. 

For more, check out our other blog posts on flexible work and our Working Through Treatment webinar!