Telework in Europe and Latvia: State-of-the-art and Future Prospects

Purpose of the article: More usually companies are using telework – a wide-spread practice that allows employees and their tasks to be shared across settings away from central place of business or physical organizational location. Flexible work arrangements are increasingly seen as a key in helping women and men strike a better balance between work, private and family life. Moreover, telework may serve as a tool for regional development as it allows reaching the concentration of resources by using information and communication technologies. Methodology/methods: The article has been prepared based on the analysis of primary and secondary sources, outcome synthesis and the evaluation of results of a survey of public officials of Latvia (n=1244) and semistructured interviews with five teleworkers. Scientific aim: The purpose of this research is to assess the demand for telework in Latvia and make suggestions for the facilitation of telework (not only in metropolitan, but also less populated areas) by taking into account the European experience. Findings: Even if the issue of telework (distant work, smart work) can be found in the European Commission’s agenda the level of employees in European Union working as teleworkers is still rather low. The Latvian case study shows that there is a potential to extend the use of telework. Young people who have established their own business are the first in line to become teleworkers. Also public sector officials would like to be involved in teleworking and believe that it would increase their performance. However, most of the employed are sceptical about the use of telework. Conclusions: Explanatory and encouraging measures could help to foster the use of telework. Establishment of smart work centers could be a promising solution for further spread of telework, including the countryside, thus also facilitating the regional development

Telework in the European Union

This report examines the phenomenon of telework in the EU – particularly in the context of the European Framework Agreement on Telework, which was signed by the peak social partners in July 2002. The report first assesses the incidence of telework across the 27 EU Members States and Norway, highlighting the overall increase in telework usage. It goes on to examine the regulatory framework for telework, with a particular focus on the European Framework Agreement’s implementation in the context of national industrial relations systems and given the unique nature of this autonomous agreement. The report also looks at issues concerning the employment and working conditions of teleworkers – such as health and safety, data protection, access to training and the voluntary nature of telework. It concludes with an overview of the social partners’ position on telework

Appendix E: Telecommuting: A Case Study in Public Policy Approaches

Telecommuting: A Case Study in Public Policy Approaches from the event: Senate Special Committee on Aging Hearing held April 30, 2008 for Workplace Flexibility 2010

Smarter choices and telecoms – the evidence

In May 2004, a research report entitled ‘Smarter Choices’ was published in conjunction with the new White Paper on the ‘The Future of Transport’. The study looked at ten transport measures, including telework, teleconferencing and home shopping. The study suggested that, within ten years, and within a supportive context, a ‘high-intensity scenario’ of implementing these measures could reduce national traffic levels by 11%, with greater effects in certain circumstances, including, for example, a 21% reduction in urban peak traffic. This paper concentrates on telework and teleconferencing. Taken together, these represented about 37% of the potential national traffic reduction identified. The study also showed that telework and teleconferencing were often associated with other benefits, including financial savings for employers and a better work–life balance for employees. Hence, increasing their use could have a range of positive effects. Some critics have argued that encouraging organisations to adopt telework or teleconferencing leads to more dispersed lifestyles and business activities, thereby increasing travel not reducing it. Whilst this is logically possible, current evidence does not support this. Moreover, a key issue is the context in which these activities are encouraged. For example, the effect of promoting them in a context where road and air travel are priced to reflect environmental impacts is likely to be significantly different to the effect of promoting them in a context of an expansion of cheap, long-distance travel. The Smarter Choices research suggests that, where employers are encouraged to promote telework or teleconferencing as part of a package with explicit objectives to reduce travel, significant traffic reductions can be achieved

Bills Introduced in the 111th Congress Regarding Flexible Work Arrangements

Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) alter the time and/or place that work is conducted on a regular basis -- in a manner that is as manageable and predictable as possible for both employees and employers. This document charts bills introduced in the 111th Congress regarding flexible work arrangements

THE EFFECTS OF TELEWORK ON ORGANISATION AND BUSINESS TRAVEL An exploratory study on a university context

In recent years, many companies have implemented telework to improve work efficiency and quality of life for employees. Transport planners attempt to assist companies in reducing business travel time losses related to traffic congestion by stimulating telework. However, current knowledge concerning the effects of teleworking on business travel is limited. Furthermore, despite constant promotion, telework penetration in The Netherlands remains low because companies are uncertain about the benefits of teleworking and its effects on their organisation and employees. In this paper, insights from literature review and pilot survey results are used to contribute to the development of a preliminary exploratory model.

Examples of State Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) Laws

Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) alter the time and/or place that work is conducted on a regular basis -- in a manner that is as manageable and predictable as possible for both employees and employers. This document charts examples of state FWA laws

E-work and IT for developing rural areas in Hungary

Information Technologies (IT) are a powerful driver for economy-wide productivity, growth and jobs – and are arguably Europe’s best-bet investment for the future. They give great potential to transform the way in which we work, live and interact. The digital convergence of media and information services, networks and devices provide unique opportunities: for firms, to modernize their business processes and deliver a wide range of services; for consumers, for individuals to find and do remote e-work. The ratio of teleworkers compared to all employees is estimated to reach around 5% in Hungary today. The main objectives of the New Hungary Development Plan being the successor of NFT. Being part of the plan package, the Operative Program for the Development of the Economy significantly focuses on the support of the utilisation of ICT technologies and applications. This and the Hungarian Rural Development Starategy will support the exploitation of teleworking opportunities, thereby contributing to the employment of the disabled, persons with changed working capabilities and women

The Legal Framework for States as Employers-of-Choice in Workplace Flexibility: A Case Study of Arizona and Michigan

Outlines the statutes, regulations, executive actions, and collective bargaining agreements that authorize flexible work arrangements, time off, and career flexibility in the two state workforces; the elements of model programs; and their benefits