Telecommuting: 5 Answers to Bad Weather?
With the US preparing for more weeks of bad weather, many employees are looking for ways to avoid it. The best alternative to driving in the bad weather is of course, telecommuting, but what other inherent benefits might an employer gain? Let’s take a look and maybe you can use some of these benefits to help further bolster your case to work remotely on bad weather days.
Reason #1 “Employee Safety”: Driving in hazardous conditions is not safe for anyone. Less cars on the road will lead to fewer accidents and fewer chances of your employees being injured on the way to or from work. Employers to highly value their employees’ safety are often times very willing to allow Telecommuting.
Reason #2 “Maintaining Operations”: Of course we know that when bad weather strikes, many employees dread the commute. The commute often times can be risky for employees and they may decide to just take a sick day instead of coming into work. Telecommuting allows an employer to maintain operations more efficiently when employees have the ability to work from home. In addition, the bad weather may totally prevent use of major highways and thoroughfares, in this instance, companies without Telecommuting arrangements have to shut down. Organizations with Telecommuting Programs are able to maintain their operations through the use of a distributed workforce. This is becoming more common in Business Continuity Plans, because companies are starting to see the value in having a network that can work anywhere.
Reason #3 “Retaining Top Talent”: Employers who allow their employees the flexibility to work remotely in during bad weather are seen as more flexible and are often times favored over employers who don’t offer such arrangements. When employees are considering a new job, one of the top questions asked, is often times concerning the employer’s stance on flexibility. Study after study has shown that employers who are more flexible simply have higher retention rates than those who are not.
Reason #4 “Presenteeism- Not good for Business”: The definition of Presenteeism is when employees who are sick and should stay home, feel guilty and come to work anyways. They generally infect a dozen other people and suddenly the “office-flu bug” is running rampant. Employees who have the ability to telecommute, can work from home, preventing the spread of their germs and remaining productive.
Reason #5 “The Children Factor”: Bad weather often times mean no school for kids; however, just because the schools are off doesn’t mean work is off. While many employees have to take sick days in order to stay home and watch their kids, Telecommuting enabled employees can stay home and complete their work. How far back does one employee missing put their team? For many teams, it takes a few days to get back on track, but remotely enable employees can remain productive and projects can remain on schedule.
As many of you have probably encountered bad weather days, consider allowing your employees to telecommute during these days and you will be sure to capitalize on some added benefits. Want to work remotely during bad weather days, but don’t know how to get started? Contact me directly and I will give you some great statistics and research to approach your manager or senior management.
Brandon Dempsey
SuiteCommute
1-888-878-4832
Brandon@suitecommute.com
