Workplace Travel Plans
The Travel Plan Toolkit » Different Ways of Working
With the modern technology, e-mail and the internet, different ways of working within an office environment have never been easier. There are many practical options to consider for both your business and staff, allowing them to fulfil their work commitments whilst reducing the need to travel.
Whilst this method of business may not be suitable for every individual or business scenario, the numerous benefits make it worthy of consideration.
Different ways of working include:
- Video Conferencing
- Telephone Conferencing
- Flexible Working
- Working from Home
VIDEO CONFERENCING
Video conferencing takes advantage of well-established technology such as network connections, digital cameras and dedicated software. This technology should be used as an alternative to staff travelling long distances to meetings, allowing their time to be spent in a more productive fashion.
TELEPHONE CONFERENCING
The good thing about telephone conferencing is that you won’t require any additional equipment. Anyone can take part so long as they have access to a telephone. Most telecommunications service providers already have a conferencing service available to its customers. To book a session is quick and simple, you just need to book a session and distribute the relevant access numbers to those taking part in the conference call. Contact your service provider for details of available services.
FLEXIBLE WORKING
‘Flexible Working’ is a way of completing your working hours in a different way, at a different time or in a different place to help you achieve a work / life balance, and to help the organisation achieve more flexibility in the services it provides. Flexible working enables staff to fit their commuting around public transport timetables, lift shares, school runs and personal appointments and avoids the need for staff to travel during peak hours, thereby helping to alleviate congestion around your site and on local roads.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FLEXIBLE WORKING?
There are many benefits of working including:
For the Business
- Enhanced recruitment, retention and productivity.
- Proven increase in employee satisfaction and morale at work.
- Case studies indicate less sickness absence reporting.
- Work place property costs reduced.
- Accommodation and parking space pressures eased.
- More flexible service provision.
- Increased access to jobs to a broader range of potential employees.
For Employees
- Reduced stress and improved quality of life.
- Improved commitment to the organisation.
- Feeling more valued, trusted and motivated.
- A choice in how and when to use free time.
- Potential reduction in travelling time and associated costs.
- Greater choice about when and where you work.
- Increased morale.
WORKING FROM HOME
Depending on your business requirements you may wish to promote the idea of working from home to your employees. Working from home requires a certain level of autonomy and self motivation. A home pc or business laptop with e-mail connections and a telephone line or mobile phone will allow your staff to function just as well at home as they would in the normal workplace.
Working from home is an increasingly popular option for both employers and employees as it improves productivity, reduces the need for office space and car parking demand, and saves time.
For further information on Different Ways of Working
The Telework Association
www.tca.org.uk / 0800 616008
Information on flexible working
www.flexibleworking.co.uk
WorkWise
www.workwiseuk.org / 01784 473005
