Technology

Technology Committee

The Technology Committee is recruiting volunteers to serve the Chamber and its members. It is not necessary to have technology expertise. The committee will be focusing on technology solutions to business needs. If you have business needs or questions about technology, the committee is for you! Meetings will be held in person and by webinar. The committee will also be scheduling business technology events throughout 2009.

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The Remote Workforce: A viable option in today’s economy
By Dave Sobel, CEO, Evolve Technologies

There’s no doubt about it, times are tough for businesses today no matter the size or the market served—every industry is taking a hit. As such, executives across the board are looking for ways to cut costs and reduce spending. For some organization’s this means laying off employees or suspending company-wide 401K plans. Other alternatives include changing the business working environment altogether and enabling a remote workforce.

For many businesses, the decision to implement a remote workforce is a difficult one. Countless questions must be asked that address how the organization is already operating and the possibility of working with a different, more open-ended system that requires complete trust in employees and flexibility from managers. For a number of companies, implementing a remote workforce can help employers conserve diminishing funds due to the economic recession, while employees may see the option to telecommute as an added bonus to working for an organization.

Whatever the reason, implementing a remote workforce can literally save companies thousands of dollars, and in some cases, remote initiatives are even being encouraged by state governments, like The Telework! VA program. This innovative program provides telework training and financial incentives for Virginia businesses. 

Still, prior to incorporating remote workforce capabilities, companies should consider if it will significantly benefit its bottom line and employee relations.

Getting Started
The first step in determining the right plan for your business is to analyze its needs and wants. What problems need solving? What employees are eligible to work remotely? What is the budget? It is imperative to answer these questions to determine exactly what you want to achieve for your business, employees and bottom line.

Other factors to consider are whether or not your company is using an in-house IT department, if so, it is essential to obtain its input during the planning phase.  Still, base the decision to institute remote workforce capabilities on business needs and not on IT constraints. For example, if your organization does not have an in-house IT department, IT management agencies can provide the services and expertise to implement a remote workforce.

Productivity Concerns
Implementing a remote workforce can help put money back in both the employer and employee’s pockets—all while improving productivity and efficiency. Everyday technologies such as e-mail, high-speed Internet and mobile devices make it possible for staff to communicate quickly—even instantaneously—with the help of instant messaging (IM) and social networks like Twitter. Telecommuting also means fewer interruptions from co-workers and less time spent traveling to and from work, which is a huge money saver for many employees especially in the wake of fluctuating gas prices.

Some employers express concern that they will not be able to keep an eye on staff working from home. However, as long as work is completed, does it really matter when or where this takes place? Perhaps a better way to address this issue is to look for employees who are trustworthy, disciplined and self-motivated. Choosing the right candidates can present the biggest challenge for employer’s looking to institute a remote workforce, especially since some employees just work better in an office setting. Still, according to the American Telecommuting Association, employees working from home are shown to be 10-15% more productive than those working in an office setting.

In an attempt to alleviate concern, employers may consider establishing a formal policy that outlines exactly when the telecommuter is expected to work and take breaks, and specifically what he or she should be doing during allotted work hours. Even simple things like logging hours or “CCing” one’s boss on e-mails can significantly diminish concern over employee productivity. 

Cost-effective
The most obvious economic reasons for allowing staff to work off-site include lower overhead costs such as reducing office space and utility bills. Also, permitting employees to work from home eliminates commuting time—literally saving thousands of dollars a year. Financial savings for employees include spending less on office attire, eating lunch from home rather than at restaurants and even cutting childcare costs.

When considering a remote workforce, remember that one solution does not fit all organizations. If implemented properly, an effective telecommuting program can provide numerous bottom-line benefits for all parties involved.

There are many options available depending on the size of a business and the amount of telecommuters on staff. Most employer’s, no matter the size of the business, are looking for solutions that are flexible, cost-effective, secure and easy to maintain. However, it is crucial that a business can trust and easily access an IT professional to answer questions and troubleshoot issues.

Of course telecommuting comes with a price; however, these costs are considerably lower than buying added workspace or hiring new employees because you cannot accommodate those with childcare responsibilities or health-related issues.

Additional Resources
As previously mentioned, resources are available for those organizations ready to take the plunge and implement a remote workforce. The Telework! VA program was set up to financially reward those businesses in Virginia that have or are planning to set up a telecommuting program for their staff. Established by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), the program was developed in an effort to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and facilitate better transportation through technology.

Eligible businesses include private for-profit business enterprises and non-profit organizations classified under Section 501 (c) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code and located in northern Virginia, the greater Richmond or Hampton Road areas.

The Telework! VA program includes reimbursement at a variable percentage of lease costs and consultant/technical assistance expenses. Further, the program reimburses teleworker expenses such as laptops, computer peripherals including printers and fax machines, Broadband Internet access and Telework Center fees.

In short, this program will pay for Virginia businesses to get equipment, connections and the IT service to implement a remote workforce for their office.

The remote workforce is not only the wave of the future, but an attractive alternative and viable option for businesses looking to cut costs, save money and maintain staff efficiency. As more employees request this privilege and employers begin to realize the enormous benefits that implementing a remote workforce can provide, telecommuting may be poised as the norm, rather than the exception.