ACS says teleworking the way to go

Stan Beer
Thursday, 02 March 2006 12:40

IT People - Enterprise

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has welcomed the findings of a report by the Australian Telework Advisory Committee as an important step forward in addressing Work/Life balance and skills shortage issues in the Australian workplace.

The ATAC report highlights the role of teleworking in improving employment opportunities for people who might otherwise be excluded from the workforce.

ACS President, Philip Argy, said, “The ACS has been a consistent advocate of the role technology can play in the creation of family-friendly work environments,” he said. “We welcome the findings of the report and we are pleased to see many of the conclusions are consistent with our recommendations to Senator Helen Coonan when we released the ACS Work/Life Policy early last year.”

The ACS Work/Life Policy supports teleworking up to two days a week, as well as a flexible working day built around the core hours of 10am – 3pm.

“Technology changes will shape the future of our Australian workforce and already offer many solutions to employers looking for ways to increase flexibility and productivity,” said Mr Argy.  “Mobile phone and broadband developments in particular mean working from home has never been easier.

“The ICT industry has paved the way for this seachange, and it is important we lead by example. ICT University enrolments are down and skills shortages remain a pressing concern. Our industry must provide the best possible conditions for our existing workers and open up opportunities to attract people back to the industry.  An increase in the use of teleworking will allow people currently inhibited from participating in the workforce due to family responsibilities, age or disabilities, to offer their skills to the Australian economy,” he said.

Mr Argy called for a particular focus on telecottaging - a form of teleworking that blends the advantages of working at home with the factors that home workers often miss, such as social interaction with their work colleagues. He said telecottaging also offers employers significant economies in terms of infrastructure provision and worker amenities that home working does not accommodate.

The ACS urged the Government to act on the recommendations of the ATAC report. “We are also encouraging Australian ICT companies to continue to champion the creation of flexible workplace conditions in their own environments,” said Mr Argy.

The ACS also called on the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Kevin Andrews, to promote the recommendations of the report to the Public Service as a lead for the wider corporate sector.