Definition
Telework generally refers to any form of substitution of information technologies (such as telecommunications and computers) for work-related travel. It is moving the work to the workers, instead of moving the workers to the workplace. Although the concepts of "telecommuting" and "telework" are closely related, there is still a difference between the two. All types of technology-assisted work conducted outside of a centrally located work space (including work undertaken in the home, outside sales calls, etc.) are regarded as telework. Telecommuting refers more specifically to work undertaken at a location that reduces commuting time—inside the home or at some other remote workplace—which is facilitated through a broadband connection and computer or phone lines; and, possibly, also including the use of a writing instrument, paper, and the postal system.
As a broader concept than telecommuting, telework has four dimensions in its definitional framework: work location, that can be anywhere outside of a centralized organizational work place; usage of ICTs (information and communication technologies) as technical support for telework; time distribution, referring to the amount of time replaced in the traditional workplace; and the diversity of employment relationships between employer and employee, ranging from contract work to traditional full-time employment.
A frequently repeated motto is that "work is something you do, not something you travel to." Variations of this include: "Work is something we DO, not a place that we GO" and "Work is what we do, not where we are."
Read more about this topic: Telecommuting
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