I was talking yesterday with someone who does most of her work at home, on a computer, sitting at the dining room table. Sounds idilic and it really is since the dining room is in Whistler and the office is in Vancouver. Sounds like a great life and part of an evolving trend but in the long run, I don’t think it works.

Today’s article on the Globe and Mail on Telework or Teamwork puts some balance to this telecommuting trend. Yahoo has even gone so far as to banning its employees from working remotely.

Don’t get me wrong, I do believe that working from home some of the time is a good thing, but all of the time, not so much. While companies are trying to save a few thousand dollars per year on an employee costing upwards of $100,000, they are losing a chance to connect, inspire, motivate and bond with employees.

To lead effectively, people need to know that you care about them and that just can’t be done from a distance.