These include rehabilitation nurses who spend time at client locations and loss control representatives who spend time at client sites. In 1989, the company's Systems Division piloted a flex-Work program to respond to concerns about competitive pressure for systems professionals. This research included a retention study of terminating employees as well as focus groups of current employees. The results indicated that employees saw flexibility as a key need. The policy included an extensive manager's guide as well as standard written agreements to use for documenting individual flex.
Telecommuting is demonstrably making sense for both the business and for the employees.
So, this is a true test of the company's ability to innovate. Also, the company operates in many competitive labor markets and views telecommuting as a way to attract and retain employees. That saving translates into millions of dollars annually. Notwithstanding the successes of the program, there are still some barriers to wider acceptance. Telecommuting also helps the company attract and retain business because its clients view it as providing a positive work environment for its employees as well as demonstrating its ability to be innovative and flexible.