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Nov 9, 2009 E-Brief Article:
Telecommuting can Save Money, Improve Job Satisfaction, and Prevent a Flu Outbreak
For over the past decade we have seen telecommuting become increasingly popular in both the US and Canadian workplace. Even more so this year, hiring managers and HR professionals are looking for non-monetary methods to attract and retain employees such as flexible working hours and the option of telecommuting. Various research show that there are significant benefits of telecommuting for both employers and employees. But the most recent reports surrounding telecommuting suggest that it may be more than just a benefit or an option, rather a workplace necessity since the H1N1 outbreak.
Employee Interest in Telecommuting
According to World At Work 2009 Telework Trendlines Survey, 50% out of 1000 respondents agreed they would be interested in working part or full-time at home if their employers agreed.
A study by Cisco System in 2009, reported that more than 91% of participants said telecommuting was somewhat or very important to their overall satisfaction, and 80% believed they enjoyed an improved quality of life. |
| Helpful Note:
Telework, often referred to as telecommuting, occurs when paid workers reduce their commute by carrying out all, or part of, their work away from their normal place of business. (Source: InnoVisions Canada) |
Source: Cisco Systems
Telecommuting as a Recruitment Incentive
Robert Half 2008 survey of 207 Canadian CFO's ranked telecommuting #2 for the most effective recruitment tool in attracting top employees. The first being providing a competitive salary package. In times when HR budgets are tight, telecommuting can be offered as an option to monetary bonuses in order to keep compensation packages competitive.
Quick Fact:
- Two-thirds of employees would opt for another job if it lessens their commute. (Source: Telework Research Network) |
Telecommuting to Retain Employees
In light of the unique economic climate, hiring managers and HR professionals are looking for innovative methods to present to employees other than salary cuts and layoffs. Telecommuting can save the company money while retaining employees, thus improving morale and job satisfaction.
Quick Facts:
- Working from home 2.5 days per week saved employees an average of 2.5 weeks of commute. (Source: Telework Research Network)
- Saves office-space and parking requirements, some $2,000 per employee. (Source: InnoVisions Canada) |
Cost Savings and Increased Productivity
Many research studies support that Telecommuting can offer the employer improved profitability by cost savings and increased employee productivity. Below are a few examples from leading corporations:
- Surveys and pilots conducted by IBM Canada (where about 20% of its workforce teleworks) indicate that employees can be as much as 50 per cent more productive when they work in telework environments.
- Cisco Systems estimated telecommunicating will have an annual savings of $277 Million USD.
- Sun Microsystems saw a 20 45% improvement in productivity from their Open Work program.
According to the Telework Research Network, if 40% of the US workforce telecommuted half of their work week it will save businesses $194 billion in real estate, electricity, absenteeism, and turnover. Together with the value of the increased productivity, that s roughly $7,900 per employee and more than double the average first-year cost per teleworker.
Quick Fact:
- Telecommuting increases productivity and job performance by 20% on average. (Source: InnoVisions Canada) |
Telecommuting As A Necessity
A Nov 2, 2009 article in the Montreal Gazette titled "Swine Flu Crisis Gives Telework Boost" mentions that companies have been prompted to introduce a telework program due to the H1N1 outbreak in order to keep business running. Of course a telework program doesn't mean pressuring a sick individual to work from home. However, it may serve as a necessity to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus in the office by allowing those employees at risk to work from remote location. Some companies early to adopt telecommuting are better equipped to deal with temporary shut-downs, office transitions, and emergency dismissals. Even if you do not have employees currently telecommuting, you may want to have some telecommuting systems and procedures in place for emergency preparedness.
Implementing a Telework Program
There are many resources available if you are interested in learning more about implementing a Telework Program for any of the reasons above. Even if you have some form of telecommuting already in place, perhaps you are interested in methods to manage it more efficiently.
For a list of resources, please indicate your interest or situation with "AskHenry, Online HR Advice".
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