FLEXIBLE WORK practices like telecommuting are on the increase as organisations trade off hours worked with flexibility in other areas
FLEXIBLE WORK practices like telecommuting are on the increase as organisations trade off hours worked with flexibility in other areas, according to an international HR consulting firm.
Sixty-seven per cent of companies now offer telecommuting as an option – up from 51 per cent in 2004 – according to a recent Mercer Human Resource Consulting study into workplace benefits.
Based on data collected from around 220 Australian organisations operating in all major industry groups and sectors, Rob Knox, head of information services at Mercer said that while 25 per cent of companies reported an increase in working hours, there was a 16 per cent rise in organisations offering telecommuting.
“Technological innovations such as Blackberries and personal data assistants mean it’s possible for an employee to be productive and available for more hours of the day, which is a benefit to employers,” he said.
“On the other hand, it offers employees the flexibility to work from outside the office – which many staff regard as a considerable benefit.”
In addition, sympathetic family policies were found to be attracting workers more than ever. “Employees today are looking beyond the cash components of remuneration and considering other factors such as workplace culture, family-friendly policies and non-monetary benefits when accepting or deciding to remain in a role,” Knox said.
“Organisations are mindful of the folly of losing good staff just because they are starting a family – particularly when the retirement of our baby boomers is further shrinking the overall pool of talent.
“Instead, companies are seeking to protect their investment in people by offering incentives to return to work, such as paid parental leave and the opportunity to telecommute.”
He concluded that the trend reflects increased efforts by companies to collaborate with employees and build a compelling employer brand.
“Companies recognise and are acting on the basis that employees respond well to being treated as individuals, and appreciate having their personal circumstances taken into account by their employer,” he said.
