Telework/Flexible Work Arrangements

Telework

Telework is also known as telecommuting, working from home or remote work. This work arrangement allows employees to skip their commute by connecting to work virtually. While telework may not be possible for all sectors at all times, it is a growing trend with benefits for both the employer and employee. Telework can help organizations remain productive through emergencies such as pandemics, storms or weather events, natural disasters, transit strikes, and road closures.

In order to work remotely, employees will need hardware such as a laptop and peripherals and the ability to connect to their work including files and email. Meetings can also be conducted remotely through conference calls and communication can be maintained using apps and other tools. Such arrangements are subject to management approval of a given workplace and Smart Commute can assist with identifying feasibility for a telework program.

Advantages of telework for employers can include:

  • Telework can be a tool used for employee recruitment, attracting high quality employees to your organization who may not necessarily live close-by.
  • Promotes higher levels of work-life balance, well-being and satisfaction among employees, which leads to higher levels of productivity and loyalty.
  • Potential cost savings in having less office space and reduced parking
  • Supports organizations through emergency situations or closures and when regular office functions are interrupted or buildings are closed.
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions from commuting and cooling/heating offices, helping achieve your organization’s corporate sustainability goals.

Advantages of telework for employees can include:

  • Increased schedule flexibility to balance personal and work obligations.
  • Cost and time savings on transportation and commuting.
  • Increased access to employment by reducing limits of geography through technology and telecommunication.

Flexible Work Hours

Flexible work hours can include a range of work options, including compressed work weeks, earned days off, flex time, staggered work hours, and reduced work hours. These can be an important piece for encouraging a broader workplace or corporate strategy to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips.

Flexible work hours can reduce traffic impacts and the number of commuters on the transportation network during peak commute times, which can improve traffic flow, transit crowding and reduce idling time. Flexible work hours can be part of a comprehensive trip reduction strategy and can be a benefit to both employers and employees in many of the same ways as telework. Flexible work arrangements can also increase productivity as it allows employees to avoid peak commute times.

These arrangements are subject to management approval of a given workplace and Smart Commute can assist with identifying options for a workplace.