This month, I will be talking at a conference in Canberra on using technology to access a flexible and remote workforce. While researching my presentation, I have been inspired by employers that are embracing a flexible workforce - and this means good news for you. Take IBM for example; 140,000 IBM staff work flexibly/remotely. it is not just about the flexibility requirements of their workers, it is also about 'Green IT'. 'Green IT' is the new buzz word and it means embracing work practices that cut energy costs, commuter travel time, and the carbon footprint.
Other information I have picked up in my research includes:
- In 2007, 3.2 million or 31% of employed people worked some hours from home. 81% worked from home for 15 hours or less per week (ABS);
- The number of people aged 65 years and over is projected to outnumber children aged 0-14 years in 2018. By 2050, 26% of the population is projected to be aged 65 years and over, in comparison to 15% of the population being aged 0-14 years. (ABS)
- One in six US cities with more than 25,000 residents now operates a reduced working week. They found the rewards are not just in saving energy: a shorter working week boosts morale and productivity and at the same time cuts overtime, absenteeism, staff turnover and utility bills.
This information may not help you right now in getting back to work, but sometimes it is important to see what is happening at a macro level and know that a change is coming.
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