SmallBusinessNewz

Workplaces aren't always dungeons, and officemates aren't always the sort of people who belong in a Dilbert cartoon.  Still, the ability to work from home has to be one of the most sought-after benefits in the business world, and employers might do well to consider offering it to their staff.

The savings can be considerable - employees, and not the company, have to worry about powering computers, lights, and air conditioners or heaters.  The City of Ottawa, for example, is letting some workers stay out of the office as "part of an electronic government initiative . . . that is aimed at helping the city cut $100 million in operational costs over the next three years," according to Patrick Dare.

But the average employee should also be happy about the ability to work from home.  On Fortune's list of the "100 Best Companies to Work For 2007," 84 of the entities allowed telecommuting to take place.  And at Cisco, a full 70 percent of employees take advantage of the option on a regular basis.

Admittedly, there are some jobs for which people need to be physically present, and even if that's not the case, it might be best (for both sides) to touch base in person every now and then.  This is the sort of thing that can be a win-win, though, and should even give employers an advantage over others in the field.