Why Companies Should Offer Telecommuting as an Employee Perk

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The early bird catches the worm, or does it? In today’s offices, the best and the brightest aren’t the ones who arrive first and leave last. Surprisingly, you might find them in their pajamas, spending the day in the comfort of their own beds. Welcome to the modern workplace.

Imagine waking up on a workday without feeling rushed. No more missed breakfasts, no more dashing off to catch the train, and best of all no more disciplinary memos! Thanks to advances in telecommunications, today’s workplaces can be found in coffee shops, living rooms, and anywhere with a good wi-fi connection.

While Yahoo’s CEO Marissa Mayer attracted controversy after revoking this employee privilege in 2013, many more are going in the opposite direction and are now giving their employees the option to work from home. A study released by US-based WorldatWork, a nonprofit human resources association reports that as much as 88% of organizations now offer telecommuting as a work option. Here in the Philippines, we’re quickly catching up as more and more companies are seeing the benefits of flexible work arrangements to the workforce. Those who get to enjoy this benefit report becoming more productive and creative while working away from their offices.

The best performers are the happiest workers

It seems like a no brainer—which employer wouldn’t want more productive workers? Turns out, happiness can boost employee productivity by 10% and having a work-life balance contribute largely to that.

In a survey by Staples Advantage, it was revealed that as much as 74% of telecommuting workers reported achieving a better work-life balance when they were given the chance to work from home. In the same study, the subjects also cited reduced stress as a major telecommuting benefit. Employers are also echoing their telecommuting employees’ praises when 65% of them who offer the benefit report they have happier employees as a result, while a third responding that there is less absenteeism in their workplaces since the work-from-home option was implemented. 

The third most cited reason given by telecommuting employees as to why they love the set-up is that it reduces their expenses, primarily transportations costs. Having a day or two spent working at home can certainly do wonders on improving one’s budget, but on a larger scale, the policy can also contribute to the improvement of the traffic situation in urban areas—an everyday nightmare for most Filipinos especially those who are working in the capital. Fewer people on the road means better traffic conditions. It also puts people in a better mood—by allowing people to work from home, they can avoid all the hassles of driving or commuting to and from work. Less stress means better productivity; everybody wins!

Offering telecommuting as a perk to attract more talents

Recruiters are finding it a lot tougher to find and retain employees these days. To stand out from the pack, more and more companies are offering perks to attract applicants into their fold, one of which is telecommuting. There’s a good reason for this movement—it seems that telecommuting workers love this particular office perk so much that 10% of those surveyed by Staples Advantage say they are willing to take pay cuts just so they can continue to work from home!  Many workers change jobs to shorten their travel time, have a better work-life balance and seek out companies who value their need for flexibility—telecommuting addresses all of those needs. Think also of your telecommuting employees and how they can also serve as ambassadors of your company. When they are enjoying their work, they’re much more likely to entice their peers to come join your company.

Offering telecommuting also casts a wider net to prospective applicants. Think of persons with disabilities who may have been previously denied of opportunities—the option to telecommute allows them to contribute their talents without leaving the comforts of their homes.

The catch

Of course, not all industries can adopt the work-from-home option, but for those that can, we hope we’re able to show you the reasons why allowing telecommuting as a perk makes sense. There are important points to remember before you make this work option possible for your employees:

• Before pushing through with the work-from-home option, you and your employee(s) should have a Telecommuter’s Work Agreement to outline the conditions of this new work set-up. This should include each party’s expectations for the program as well as specifics such as the hours and days the employee is expected to telecommute. (From the book, “Breaking Out of 9 to 5: How to Redesign Your Job to Fit You”)

•  Make sure your telecommuting employees have the necessary tools at home to make their jobs possible. Having a reliable computer with a fast and stable internet connection is a good start. This also includes communication applications to keep the telecommuting employee in the loop of your needs from him/her. Agree on which type of web conferencing programs and instant messaging apps you will be using to keep in touch with each other. Likewise, using cloud storage devices as well as project management tools will be an invaluable asset to making this set-up a success.

• Be vigilant about making sure that work gets done. Do regular catch-ups to make sure people are pulling in their weight and are still contributing to meet the company’s needs. Have some key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics in place to check your telecommuting employees’ performance. 

Promotional Facebook video for JOFOM Philippines (released in January 2018)

What makes Singapore's workers happy at work?

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Read the press release [in PDF format] here.

jobsDB Integrated Sourcing: The problem solver for today’s toughest hiring challenges

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Please read the post here.

Bullying in the Workplace: Recognizing the Signs and What You Can Do About It

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Here’s the deal: schoolyard bullying doesn’t end after graduation. Not a lot of people talk about it but bullying is quite common in many workplaces around the globe. In a 2007 Zogby International survey, an estimated 37% of workers in the US or roughly 54 million people have reported experiencing bullying at their jobs. Here in Asia, there was a case two years ago in Singapore where an incident involving a supervisor verbally and physically abusing his intern was caught on cam, with the resulting video getting spread like wildfire around the web. Given its prevalence, it is important for both employees and employers to recognize signs of bullying in the workplace in order to quash it right away.

It is important to note that not all forms of intimidation or reprimand constitute as bullying. In some institutions, like in the military, for example, aggression is encouraged as part of the training. This helps subordinates get used to harsh conditions on the battlefield. During training, recruits are pushed to their limits through tough physical and mental tests.

It’s another story altogether outside of the military. Their kind of training has no place in a different workplace setting. Unfortunately (as the numbers show), bullying in an office or corporate setting occurs and it can be a lot subtler and harder to detect.

Experts agree that there is a fine line between strong management and bullying. Objective comments that are intended to give constructive feedback are considered normal and not usually considered bullying. What is abnormal is unreasonable treatment that is persistent and causes physical or mental harm to the victim.

So when does it go beyond what is considered normal? Ask yourself this question: “Would most people consider the action objectionable?”

If the answer is still unclear and you find yourself wondering if YOU yourself are a victim of bullying in the workplace, check the following situations and see if it’s happening to you:

Am I being bullied?

1. You find yourself constantly getting screamed at, cursed, and insulted.

2. Your co-workers spread false stories or rumors about you around the office.

3. Intentional sabotage, for example, delaying requests or setting up impossible tasks for you to accomplish.

4. Your mistakes get highlighted for no constructive reason.

5. You get ostracized or ignored socially.

6. Your privacy gets intruded upon by spying or stalking.

7. Getting excessive or unwarranted punishments.

8. You receive offensive jokes at your expense.

9. Your colleagues take credit for your accomplishments.

10. Physical abuse

The impact of bullying on the individual and the workplace

Workplace bullying is not some small matter that can be brushed aside for it affects not just the victim but also the people around him and the company. The victim feels the brunt of the attack and it may manifest in feelings of frustration, anger, and helplessness. He/she may feel worthless and that he/she has nothing contribute to the organization. Aside from that, the stress over bullying may manifest through physical symptoms which may include insomnia, headaches and a loss of appetite. In worst case scenarios, it may even lead to the victim developing cardiovascular problems.

Consequently, when the pattern of abuse continues the aforementioned symptoms may worsen leading to increased absenteeism, low morale and poor performance at work. Companies in turn deal with high turnovers, a tarnished reputation and when issues escalate that legal authorities had to intervene, payouts to victims claiming workers’ compensation. In short, a hostile environment is bad for business, whichever way you look at it.

Fixing the problem

Given these facts, what is the best recourse of action for victims? On the side of the company, what can they do to prevent or to fix this problem in the workplace?

If you are on the receiving end of abuse, firmly but calmly tell the aggressor to stop. If that doesn’t stop things, escalate the issue to a supervisor who can help out in mediation. In a 2007 report conducted by Arizona State University’s Project for Wellness and Work-Life, a group that examines the relations between work, wellness, and domestic life, advises victims to report the incidents to their colleagues, superiors and human resources in a cool and collected manner. Keeping a diary or a recording of the incidents will also serve as proof when the time comes that evidence is called for.

On the part of the company, eliminating bullying in the workplace starts with a commitment from the management to instill company policies to fix the problem. There should be a conscious effort on the part of the organization to maintain vigilance over the monitoring of abusive behavior. Such action will make victims feel safe and potential bullies think twice about doing abusive behavior in the workplace. Make it clear that human resources will not tolerate such a type of behavior.

The bottom line is this: a harmonious and peaceful workplace will always serve the company better in the end, even if that means letting go of bullies who are strong performers.

Garry Mathiason, a senior partner in the San Francisco office of Littler Mendelson, a top employment and labor law firm has this to say, “If you decide in favor of the harmony and teamwork of the group and take the short-term deficit of losing what is otherwise a good performer, you’re going to be more successful as an organization, because the team can always outperform the individual.”

If all else fails, leaving the company may end up being the victim’s best response to abusive behavior in the workplace, especially if his/her physical and mental being is at stake. It’s simply not worth putting your health at risk. You can find better opportunities when you decide to leave and see what is out there.

Keeping your personal hero in tip-top shape: Great gift ideas for Father's Day

He’s been there for you all your life.  From your birth to your first bike ride, to your college graduation, he cheered for you all the way.  You may not get along with him most of the time but I’m sure that you do appreciate and love him for everything he has done for you.  Of course, I am talking about the most special guy in your life: your dad.  

Provider, Handyman, Coach, and Caregiver All Rolled Into One

         

It’s truly amazing how fathers can still squeeze in time and effort to raise their children despite pressures from their careers.  They are not just the family’s primary provider but they also take on various roles.  One day they may act as their family’s handyman, the next day they may take on the role of a coach, giving tips to their children on how to improve their game.

           

 Truly, fathers are very valuable assets in every home.  They are our very own superheroes, always ready and willing to help us when we’re in need. It’s a good thing there’s one day each year where all the hard work and perseverance that our fathers have given us is celebrated. 

           

Let us give our fathers a big bear hug on June 15, but if you are feeling a bit more generous there are other ways to show your appreciation to dad. 

Special Treats for the Special Guy in Your Life

         

Think back to the time when you were a child.  Your dad was probably the first one who taught you how to play a sport.  Whether that sport was basketball, football or badminton, it’s mostly our fathers who introduced us to the world of sports and fitness.

         

Now wouldn’t it be nice to relive those happy, active moments with dad?  It’s never too late to take up a new sport or start a fitness regimen with your father.  Just think of the benefits that keeping fit will give you: you become stronger, live longer and sleep better. 

         

 Thankfully, there are several products available in the market today that are sure to get you on the right track to a fit and healthy lifestyle:

         

The Bowflex® SelectTech® line of dumbbells is a unique weight system that is powered by cutting-edge exercise technology that is easy to learn and offers fast results.  The product’s main selling point is its innovative design allowing it to reduce 30 separate dumbbells down to only two which saves you tons of money and space.  It’s like having a piece of complete gym equipment right at your own home.  You don’t have to worry about lower back pain because the system comes with an ergonomically-designed stand that keeps you comfortable and pain-free while you exercise.

         

There’s also the P90-X Multi-Grip Position Chin-up Bar, with its patented design and heavy gauge steel, it can withstand up to 300 pounds of weight.  Not only that, but it is also comfortable to use with its foam-covered handles.   It fits any door frame and you can easily remove it when you’re done.  It targets your upper body, giving it more strength and power.

         

Finally, there’s the Perfect Push-up which gives you faster results than conventional push-ups.  It engages your core muscles and reduces joint strain because it moves based on the natural rotation of your arms.   It features unique rotating handles and a stable rubber base.  It is easy enough for beginners to use but still remains challenging for advanced users.  This combination of versatility, stability, and comfort ensure a very good workout targeting the chest, arms, back and shoulders.

This Father’s Day, give your dad a gift that keeps on giving——a healthy and fit body.  These products would allow you to do that and more, so go ahead and try them with dad.

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The article appeared in the premiere issue (June 2008) of Chris Sports’ newsletter (e-mag).

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