Introducing eWorkPlace, a state-sponsored program for Twin Cities metro area employers. eWorkPlace is a business strategy and work process that enables employees to work from home or a remote location and connect to the office and clients via technology - internet, phone, and mobile devices. Telework can be performed on a full or part-time basis and is often complemented with flexible scheduling.
The TMO is assisting employers to implement telework programs. To learn more call 763-862-4260 or email Renee.Sande@co.anoka.mn.us
Learn more about eWorkPlace at www.eWorkPlace-mn.com
Telework
Telework is a work arrangement where an employee regularly works at an alternate work site or at home. There are numerous benefits to telecommuting, not only for employees but also for employers.
Benefits - What's in it for you and your organization?
- Greater employee productivity and work quality
- Increased ability to attract and keep valued employees
- Improved employee morale and job satisfaction
- Increased access to new labor markets (disabled, part-time, semi-retired)
- Less sick leave and reduced absenteeism
- Reduced office and parking space needs
- Increased ability to meet air quality or transportation mandates
- Calculate Cost-Benefit analysis for telework
What's in it for your employees?
- Improved work environment
- Improved morale
- Greater job satisfaction and sense of accomplishment
- Greater responsibility and feeling of trust
- More lifestyle flexibility
- Less commuting time, stress, and cost
Tips for starting a telework program
Below are a few tips that can help organizations consider whether telecommuting is appropriate for their workplace and how to develop a long-term program.
Decide if telework is appropriate — there are some types of businesses where telework is not necessarily beneficial or feasible.
Set Clear Guidelines and Polices — studies show that clear guidance and direction increase the chances of success for any program. Managers and Supervisors are key players in the telework process and should set the parameters and define telework policies for their organizations before implementation.
Determine Needs — determine the level of technological support needed to allow employees to work from home. For example, computers, printers, telephones, etc.
Stay Informed — stay informed of your teleworker’s workload and status of projects by establishing a strong communication process.
Manage Your Teleworkers — manage teleworkers the same way you manage other employees. Telecommuters are not performing different work, they are doing the same work just in a different location.
Judge Performance by Results — managers should judge an employee’s performance by results, not observation. Measure the employee’s performance by looking at the quality and timeliness of the end product.
Evaluate Results — when evaluating the effectiveness of teleworking within your organization, consider whether it positively impacts these key issues: productivity, operating costs, employee morale, recruitment, and retention. Also, consider how it benefits overall community concerns such as traffic flow, air pollution, and mass transit use.
Flexible Work Arrangements
Flexible work arrangements include telecommuting, flexible work hours (flex time), compressed work week, and staggered shifts.
Telework see the Telework information above.
Flexible work hours can shift some travel to less congested, non-peak commute times. This means that employees are allowed some flexibility in their daily work schedules. For example, rather than all employees working 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., some work 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and others 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Compressed Work Week (CWW) means that employees work fewer but longer days such as four 10-hour days each week (4/40), or 9-hour days with one day off every two weeks (9/80).
Flextime and Compressed Work Week are usually implemented as an employee and manager option (both employees and their managers must agree). They may vary from day-to-day or week-to-week, and are typically implemented as part of a Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) program.
