With a broadened definition of telework, the International Telework Association's (ITAC) annual survey show that the number of employees who telework in the United States increased to 28.8 million, for a jump of almost 17 percent during the past year. According to the survey, an "overwhelming majority" of these teleworkers are more satisfied with their jobs, are more productive, and feel more loyal to their employers.

The survey explores both the business and human factors of current telework practices and provides insights for businesses and other organizations looking to meet the need for new or expanded telework programs for their employees.

"This year's survey broadens our definition of teleworking and confirms that it's a winning situation all around," said John Edwards, president of ITAC. "Employees achieve a greater balance of work and family life, employers gain the benefits of lower overhead costs and increased productivity, and all of us continue to reap the rewards of less traffic congestion and pollution."

Approximately 28 million, or 1 in 5 U.S. employees participate in some form of teleworking -- at home, on the road, in telework centers or in satellite offices. Most work on the road (24.1 percent) or from home (21.7 percent). A smaller percentage work at telework centers (7.5 percent) or at satellite offices (4.2 percent).Most do multiple forms of teleworking, with more than 42.4% saying they combine working at home with some other form of teleworking.

"Telework has evolved beyond the pioneering telecommuters of the 80s," said Chuck Wilsker, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based ITAC. "It appears to be entering the mainstream practices of today's workforce."

The typical teleworker works at least one full day per week away from the traditional office environment, lives in the northeast or western regions of the U.S., has a college education, is 35 to 44 years of age and married.

Teleworking is most often found at either a very small or very large company, with teleworkers holding a managerial or sales position and earning $40,000 or more annually. Teleworking is most common within real estate, management of enterprises, and the information industries.

More than two-thirds of teleworkers express greater job satisfaction. An overwhelming majority (almost 80 percent)) feels a greater commitment to their organization and most say they plan to stay with their employer. Almost three-quarters of at-home teleworkers reported a major increase in productivity and work quality.

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"Our internal research validates the findings of increased productivity and job satisfaction among teleworkers," said Dr. Brad Allenby, AT&T's vice president of Environment, Health, and Safety. "According to our employees, the increases are a result of access to high-speed connections, an improved ability to concentrate and a better balance between work and family responsibilities."

Almost twice as many teleworkers as non-teleworkers say they work before and after normal work hours or on weekends. But they also are more likely to say that working at home interferes less with other activities in their personal life. Equally as interesting, teleworkers report that their families also experience less conflict and an enhanced quality of life.

Edwards added, "the blending of our personal roles in life, combined with our use of multiple types of telework, is becoming a big benefit of teleworking. It is making it possible for employees to be where customers need them to be to get the job done."

To obtain a copy of the report's executive summary or a complete survey report, call ITAC at 202-547-6157, or send an e-mail request to info@telecommute.org . For more information about ITAC, visit the Web site at http://www.telecommute.org.