Telework (e-work)
Millions of people around the world work away from the office. As ‘teleworkers’ they work where it is most convenient for them, instead of travelling to a traditional office every day.
On this page
Where do people telework?
This can be at home, in a telecentre (a public access technology centre for business use), a library, café or borrowed office space.
Teleworkers are involved in a range of work types, but they are similar in that they work closer to their homes, communities and families.
As a result, they save time and money. They are also more productive, have greater flexibility, and enjoy a better quality of life.
Telework takes many forms and has been called many things: telecommuting, remote working, e-work, working from home, flexible work practices and more.
Benefits of telework
Both individuals and employers gain from telework arrangements.
For employees, the major benefits include:
- time savings
- cost savings
- flexibility and better lifestyle control
- family benefits
- increased productivity.
Benefits to businesses include:
- improved recruitment and retention
- reduced absenteeism
- increased productivity
- space and cost savings.
There are also benefits to the wider community:
- less commuter traffic
- lower levels of pollution and vehicle emissions
- flow-on benefits from a growing suburban workforce, including the development of better suburban amenities and improved urban environments
- better neighbourhood security with more people at home during the day.
Telework in New Zealand
Telework New Zealand [Telework website.] has worked with a number of large and smaller businesses to help them set up telework systems. Formed as a business and government consultancy in 1998, Telework New Zealand specialise in:
- implementing telework programmes and flexible work practices
- developing telework strategies
- advising on telecentre development
- setting up home offices and home-based businesses
- developing guides and resource kits.
More information
- Managing your work off-site: teleworking [NZ Business Council for Sustainable Development website. ]
