PRESS RELEASE | Telework reduces disruption to business
As the disruption to travel due to the unseasonal weather continues into a second week The Telework Association calls for the Government to do more to acknowledge the contribution that working from home makes to keeping the economy going. Shirley Borrett, Development Director for the Association said "Transport Minister Norman Baker's call for an increase in home working is very welcome but it would be good to hear a Business Minister saying the same thing."
Speaking on BBC Breakfast on one of the snowy mornings, Borrett, denied that homeworking is a skivers charter. She said "Most people want to do a good job and if managers trust them and manage people by what they do rather than how long they're present, then productivity increases and everyone benefits."
"There have been lots of reports about people like midwives, emergency services and even retail workers who can't work from home. But if more people who can do it did so, then midwives and others would have much less trouble getting into work, whatever the weather conditions."
Telework Association research shows that working from home benefits organisations as well as individuals and the environment. Not only are they more productive but homeworkers also tend to be more loyal thus saving the organisation recruitment and absenteeism costs. And of course the company can save on property costs.
Borrett says "Our research shows that almost all homeworkers get more done and some achieve 50% more by working from home. So it's good for business, not just for carers. We'd like to hear Ministers emphasising this rather than continuing to promote it just as an employee right for carers."
- ends -
For further information contact:
Shirley Borrett, Development Director email: shirley@telework.org.uk or 07831 307890
Peter Thomson, Director of Research email peter@telework.org.uk or telephone 07880 710026
About the Telework Association:
The Telework Association is the leading European organisation promoting flexible and remote working and providing services to individuals and organisations involved in telework. Founded in 1992, the association provides regular communications to members in the form of a weekly newsletter and a quarterly magazine.
As promoters of teleworking the Association is able to provide informed comment on issues such as government policy and business practice in the field of remote working. The association supports teleworking as a solution to business problems, a contribution to environmental goals and a source of improved quality of life.
6/12/2010
