Resources to Support Businesses in Developing Telework Programs

Resources to Support Businesses in Developing Telework Programs

As COVID-19 causes our workforce climate to shift from the traditional brick and mortar offices and daily commutes to virtual and telework options, working from home has quickly become the new standard.

In the wake of social distancing and public safety, many offices, organizations, and professionals find the transition to this new norm to be challenging, primarily because of how quickly these shifts became necessary in response to the current health crisis.

Baltimore Metropolitan Council and MetroRideshare  team has gathered resources to help offices quickly develop and implement an effective telework program. These tools are available immediately for use related to the current pandemic and beyond. They will also aid businesses in taking advantage of the long-term benefits associated with offering more permanent telework options.

Considering ongoing teleworking options beyond the pandemic offers benefits to both employers and employees. After implementing a telework program option, participants found organizations often report improved employee retention, reduced recruiting and training costs, improved productivity, reduced need for office space and reduced overhead as results. In addition, the reduction of cars on the road due to a decrease in daily commutes improves air quality for our region and beyond. There is value in considering long-term telework program options offerings as temporary emergency / mandatory options are established.

The collection of resources is available at https://www.baltometro.org/about-us/partnerships-programs/telework-baltimorehere, including the following:

State of Maryland Resources:

Through its Commuter Choice Maryland program and Department of Budget & Management, the State of Maryland has made several resources available to the public to support telework options:

A Guide to Telework for Employers: Sample policies, checklists and documents for organizations

COVID 19: Managing Anxiety While Working Remotely During COVID-19

COVID 19: Working at Home with Kids During COVID-19

 

Telework after the Stay-at-Home Order is lifted: Other Helpful Materials

BMC offers a number of free materials that can help employers establish telework programs:

Telework, Frequently Asked Questions: This Q&A can calm your fears about telework.

Telework Myths: Separate telework fact from fiction.

Telework Resources: Other websites that might help.

Be a Telework Champion: A guide on how and what to present in a telework proposal to your employer.

 

Continuing telework programs beyond the pandemic offers benefits to both employers and employees. After implementing a telework program, organizations often report improved employee retention, reduced recruiting and training costs, improved productivity, reduced need for office space and reduced overhead. In addition, the reduction of cars daily commutes, whether one day a week or five, improves air quality for our region and beyond. There is value in considering long-term telework program offerings as temporary emergency options are established.

If you have questions about telework or other commuter benefit programs contact Lillian Bunton at lbunton@baltometro.org.

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