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Of course, many positions require some face-time. In such situations, perhaps companies can implement an alternating schedule where individuals in such positions would be in
office a certain number of days per week. Many positions can, however, be performed 100% of time from home or from a remote office environment.
At this point, companies should evaluate options available for providing a telecommuting work environment for their employees. This approach can benefit companies by minimizing their required office space as well as keeping hoards of people out of a central location for extended periods of time.
--- Freestanding Telework Centers ---
Through a consortium of government and business, freestanding telework centers can be created around nation to provide a place for workers to go for virtual meetings, to use equipment, and to perform tasks that would otherwise require some type of face-time.
A freestanding telework center is an office suite or building dedicated to supporting workers whom "telecommute" to their jobs. The idea behind a freestanding telework center is that it is intended to be private for those companies that subscribe to service. Additionally, by-the-hour telework centers can provide access to restricted public use for those who perform freelance or other such contract-based work.
The government is currently leading in this direction because government regulations are pushing to cut down on employment-related commuter trips and vehicle miles. To assist us in moving in this direction, think about following three types of telework centers:
- Satellite Centers These are generally freestanding telework centers built and operated by a single company for exclusive use of its own employees.
- Executive Centers These are generally freestanding telework centers built and operated for profit. The operator opens telework center and offers its facilities to anyone needing a workspace. Included in this category would be small, neighborhood telework centers, as well as large, centrally located centers.
- Shared Office Sites These are conventional central offices that employers make available on an exchange basis for part-time use of workers who live nearby. Shared office programs hold great potential for eliminating commuter trips and vehicle miles. Once in place, these programs can allow employees to work at closest participating site rather than one to which they would otherwise have to commute.
--- What's next? ---
With this devastation, world is in flux. Public and governmental organizations are rethinking their strategy worldwide to ensure a safer future for everyone. Perhaps, it is now our turn to rethink our strategy with workforce.
People are most valuable asset in any business and businesses are assets to economy. In both cases, a decentralized workforce, using a solid telecommuting policy, would provide a safer future for individuals, businesses, and American economy.
May God bless souls of those who perished and bring peace to families whose loved ones are missing.
Edward B. Toupin is a freelance consultant, writer, and published author living in Las Vegas. Edward provides quality Web site design, development, and marketing as well as writing, document design and planning, and e-book publishing services. You can visit his Web site at http://www.toupin.com or contact him at etoupin@toupin.com.
