The latest statistics have been released on the length of time daily commuters waste in traffic, and the numbers continue to stagger the mind.  For example, Chicagoans now spend 1 week a year stuck in traffic, wasting almost $1,000 in gas.  Besides the cost, consider the impact this frustration has on employee performance once they do get to work. 

Why is this a business problem?

It's a problem because American businesses shy away from such congestion reducing and morale increasing options as telecomuting simply because they do not do a good enough job of holding its people accountable for results.  Face time means they at least know employees are present and "probably" doing their work.  But when they're away, "who knows!"  Strong, measurable performance standards allow employees to work from remote locations, at differing times, and still deliver on their performance expectations.

Face time can still be handled through weekly on-site meetings, or even teleconferencing.  This is just one more way American business can think green, and have all stakeholders come out winners.