Lucky Aussie workers get free tools from bosses

Lia Timson
Thursday, 10 July 2008 10:41

IT People - Enterprise

Despite being an American company, IBM too has championed teleworking here and in the US for years. Most of its local office workforce is issued with a laptop and a mobile phone on their first day on the job. Many work from home at least one day a week and have their phone and internet expenses reimbursed, according to a spokesperson. It has been reported that up to 25% of the company’s worldwide workforce telecommutes.

Federal and state governments also have well-defined teleworking policies and advice for companies looking to do the same (see www.teleworkaustralia.net.au). Some policies have their origin on surveys conducted by Telstra’s sister company Sensis.

Its latest study, the Sensis Business Index Teleworking Report July 2007, advocates wide adoption of the practice. “It forms an important part of the contemporary business environment, allowing the freedom to do business wherever and whenever they want,” it says. The study found 22% of businesses have employees that telework. This has overwhelmingly positive impact on workplaces, including higher levels of business confidence and performance, it says.

Peter Noblet, regional director pf recruiter Hays Information Technology, says electronic devices are taken for granted when new employment contracts are negotiated in Australia.

“If a company offers an opportunity to work from home, the person will get what they need to do that. It’s just a given, there isn’t the need for negotiation. It’s not the same mentality.

“There’s an expectation that if an IT person, a sales person or other will be working outside (the office), they will be furnished with the tools of the trade,” Noblet says.

He says in the US contract negotiations tend to include additional benefits such as health cover and gym membership and perhaps because of this, employers see electronic devices in the same light – as “an added bonus”.

Employees who work from home in Australia can always claim tax benefits on work-related equipment and expenses if their companies are not willing to come to the party.