Of all the changes wrought by digital technology, the most dramatic is a new idea of the workplace. Thanks to such devices as wireless laptops, many non-manual jobs can now be done almost anywhere at home, in a car, or even on a park bench.

This new work freedom, properly handled, has the power to transform business, government, and home life. Telecommuters those who work at home or on the road with no office at all now number between 28 million and 32 million, according to some estimates, although an exact count is difficult.

Whatever their numbers, they thrive professionally on text-messaging, videoconferencing, or any of the latest advances in electronic communications.

Cutting out that round-trip commute to the office which averages about 23 miles in the US can save nearly $1,000 a year in petrol and avoid putting more than 6,000 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Telecommuting helps some parents better balance career and family. It enables older workers to defer retirement and gives rural residents more ways to earn money. At the same time, it broadens work opportunities for the disabled. Supporters cite other benefits, such as improved productivity and greater employee satisfaction. Teleworking also represents an alternative to outsourcing.

Rather than sending jobs overseas, some companies turn to "homesourcing". A home-based customer-service representative can act as a one-person call centre. Their ranks are expected to triple by 2010.

Despite these advantages, many issues remain. Telecommuters who work for an employer in New York State but live elsewhere can be taxed twice if their state also taxes income. And the mobile office requires more trust between workers and bosses.

Some would-be teleworkers find resistance from sceptical managers who insist "if I can't see the whites of your eyes, you must not be working". Remote workers understand the importance of putting in regular "face time", not only to break their isolation but to maintain good ties with bosses and colleagues. Managers can help by devising guidelines for measuring the output and productivity of telecommuters, keeping healthy relationships, and managing workflow creatively. Many teleworkers find they need a new type of self-discipline either to stay focused or, as often happens, to avoid working far too long.

For many workers, a successful career does not always mean punching a clock, being tethered to a cubicle every day, or donning a dress-for-success wardrobe.