New assessment tool launched for organisations keen to reap benefits of out-of-the-office workforce

MOST employees working from home find they have a better quality of life and work-life balance, and are more productive. But some experience problems such as isolation and career stagnation. A unique and free online assessment tool has now been launched to enable organisations to maximise the benefits of an out-of-the-office workforce whilst guarding against any problems.

The Telework SAT (Sustainability Assessment Tool) builds on the findings of the two-year EU-funded SusTel research project ñ one of the largest studies into teleworking ever undertaken ñ that found that allowing staff to work away from home could create significant benefits for staff and employers. However, the projectís case studies showed that this only happens if telework schemes are carefully planned and implemented.

The assessment tool (available at www.sustel.org) guides employers through the economic, social and environmental dimensions of implementing a ëteleworkí or remote working scheme, and produces a final score indicating areas where improvements are needed. It covers topics such as work performance, absenteeism, transport, and health and safety. Practical advice and guidance is provided at every stage, as are details and findings from the SusTel research.

Professor Peter James, who led the SusTel research and was behind the development of Telework SAT, said: ìThis tool can be used by companies that have already implemented a telework scheme or those thinking of introducing one.

ìIt is a free resource that will provide useful guidance and direction, and enable them to consider all the possible positive, and negative, implications of creating an out-of-the-office workforce. Telework SAT is a first that will help many companies make the change from office-based to remote working, and ultimately enable them to reap numerous benefits.

ìThe SusTel research provided the evidence of the benefits of teleworking, whereas Telework SAT provides the means and advice to implement those schemes that produce the best results.î

The online tool is supported by a new SusTel report on how employers can gain the benefits ñ and minimise the disadvantages ñ of telework. ëWin-Win Telework: Creating Business, Environmental and Social Benefit Through New Ways of Workingí by Ian Wood of BT and Professor Peter James is also available at the website.