<h4>With crude oil projected to break $200 a barrel, will Telecommuting become the new Golden Benefit?</h4>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It has been a while since we have seen crude oil prices rise to these levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;The last time, we were in an economic boom.&nbsp;&nbsp;Though the prices were high we could more easily afford it.&nbsp;&nbsp;With the economy we have today, this alone can create some considerable issues for recruiters trying to bring in the top talent.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Staffing Agents, Recruiters, Head Hunters, whatever you title yourself or your company titles you, we are always looking for those things that can help us close candidates on our positions.&nbsp;&nbsp; With the very high possibility it will now cost over $200 to fill up the family Suburban, companies, now more than ever need to look at telecommuting as a solid benefit, not an additional perk. <br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Currently, at a little over $100 a barrel we are facing $3.30+ a gallon depending on your geographic location.&nbsp;&nbsp; Double it. &nbsp;&nbsp;So what ever distance you drive, time you spend in traffic, the raw cost will double. &nbsp;&nbsp;Paying close to $150 now to fill-up, it'll be $300 soon enough. &nbsp;&nbsp;I'm not trying to bring the gloom with this post, but just hopefully open some minds. &nbsp;&nbsp;Just think about what you are spending currently, can you actually afford that to double?<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Companies need to be aware of the pressures this will put on their employees. &nbsp;&nbsp;How this will effect their respective employment decisions.&nbsp;&nbsp; Perhaps your employee who drives 30 miles each way, will look for companies closer to home. &nbsp;&nbsp;Causing you to loose valuable talent. &nbsp;&nbsp;Perhaps another company offers telecommuting and the savings on fuel and time out weighs any variance in pay you can offer.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I'm not saying telecommuting is easy to implement.&nbsp;&nbsp; I'm not saying it is a lighting bolt to strike down the increasing cost of just getting to work. &nbsp;&nbsp;I'm saying companies need to be willing to adjust their employment and work environment strategies to the global environment. &nbsp;&nbsp;Be almost overly considerate to your employees and the issues they face daily. &nbsp;&nbsp;Be ready to make changes to keep them working for you and not your competitor.<br />
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It would amaze you how just showing a little understanding to someone else's situation and needs can yield such loyalty.<br />

John Reagan<br />
jreagan@boredbrains.net<br />
www.boredbrains.net<br />
<br />
<a href="http://money.msn.com/business-news/article.aspx?feed=OBR&date=20110224&id=13024885&goback=.gmp_3553506.gde_3553506_member_44860606">Oil Keeps going up</a>