Improved internet to make firms consider telecommuting

MOST companies in the Philippines said they would be willing to implement telecommuting in their workplace as long as certain conditions are met, according to the results of a survey conducted by the Employers Confederation of the Philippine (Ecop) on this work scheme.

Around 87 percent of the respondents expressed openness to the idea of implementing a telecommuting/work-from-home scheme in the future as long as these are available: appropriate equipment, better internet connection, software for monitoring working hours and output, best practices/benchmarking tools from their industry, restructured organization (e.g. definition of roles and responsibilities), and guidelines and policies.

Republic Act (RA) 11165, or the Telecommuting Act, was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last Dec. 20. The new law defines telecommuting as “a work arrangement that allows an employee in the private sector to work from an alternative workplace with the use of telecommunication and/or computer technologies.”

The Ecop survey, conducted from Feb. 11 to March 4, with 98 respondents, had 56 percent of respondents coming from the large-scale enterprises, 27 percent from small- scale enterprises and 17 percent from medium enterprises.

Of the 98 respondents, 28 are implementing a telecommuting or telework arrangement. Among those with telecommuting schemes, six come from the information technology/business process management (IT-BPM) industry, five from the consultancy industry and four from the trade industry. In terms of employment size, the majority (64 percent) are small and medium enterprises, 46 percent of which classify themselves as small.

In terms of industry distribution, 20 percent were from manufacturing, 11 percent from the IT-BPM and 10 percent from services.

The telecommuting arrangement of most companies covers only managerial employees. Consultants and project staff are also allowed to telecommute.

Asked to cite reasons for adopting telecommuting in their companies, the respondents listed heavy traffic to and from the workplace, the promotion of work-life balance and flexibility, business need (e.g. multinational companies with operations in different time zones), and enhancement of employee engagement and retention.

More than three-fourths (86 percent) said telecommuting employees get the same benefits received by their non-telecommuting colleagues. For companies which responded otherwise, telecommuting employees are no longer entitled to transportation and meal allowances, overtime pay, and additional pay for additional days worked.

Respondents were also asked about differences encountered in interpreting the telecommuting/work-from-home policy, and 36 percent said they have encountered such situations. The grievances covered the filing and payment of overtime, the need for telecommuting employees to stay connected and be contactable during work hours, determination of work hours/rest hours, and need to define company liability for employees practicing telecommuting.

The survey results also indicated some employee benefits from telecommuting such as it allows employees to work while being treated for medical conditions/illnesses, promotes flexibility in work schedules, increases productivity and efficiency, promotes work-life balance, enhances self-esteem and confidence from feeling trusted, saves time, as well as transportation and meal costs, and enhances safety during calamities and disasters.

Telecommuting benefits for the company are continuous operation with minimal interruption, more satisfied and productive employees, better employee engagement and retention, fewer work-related casualties and injuries, savings on operational costs, and optimization of working space (e.g. seating arrangements).

The Department of Labor and Employment issued on April 1, through Department Order 202-2019, the implementing rules and regulations of RA 11165. Under the order, employers are required to submit their telecommuting work arrangements to Dole pending the issuance of guidelines regarding flexible work schemes. (PHILEXPORT NEWS AND FEATURES)

Trending

No stories found.

Just in

No stories found.

Branded Content

No stories found.
SunStar Publishing Inc.
www.sunstar.com.ph