TeleWork

Teleworking, also known as telecommuting, accentuates the positives and eliminates the negatives of traditional office work. Today's technological advances allow employees to work from home by connecting to their employer's computer system to access their work files and email remotely. Even meetings can be conducted through teleconference calls.

Productivity increases while costs decrease. With fewer interruptions, less absenteeism, flexible work hours and the elimination of commuting time, productivity is bound to be higher. Teleworkers can share office and parking spaces, thus saving money for the employer.

Employees who telework are happier! Employees appreciate and value having more control over their own time management which leads to increased job satisfaction. Do you work best early in the morning or late at night? Allowing employees to choose their best working hours results in happier, more productive staff. Flexible work hours mean that personal and family commitments can be met without taking time off work. Also, by eliminating commuting time, teleworkers have more time in their day for personal and/or business use. Recruitment and retention just got easier!

Studies show off-site employees are just as productive (if not more so) as in-house staff. A recent article in Workforce Management reports that 70% of Hewlett Packard’s employees in the United States have the flexibility to telecommute [telework] on a full-time, regular or occasional basis; “Employees who use [alternate commute programs] tell us that they feel healthier, and are more productive and less stressed at the job. That’s a win for us”, states Daryl Wilmeth, HP environmental program manager for the Americas.

For more information on telework, visit www.ivc.ca.