Telework, Workplace Flexibility, Workplace Strategy

Telework, once a ‘mom perk,’ keeps government humming during snow storms

On Tuesday morning, snow and ice covered the streets around Mika Cross’ home in southern Maryland. Commuter accidents clogged roadways. Her kids’ school closed because of the stormy weather. Many businesses, medical offices and shops were shuttered. And Cross’ employer, the federal government decided to shut down.

But for Cross and thousands of federal and private sector workers who can work remotely, or telework, Tuesday was just a typical work day. Except that her kids, at her ex-husband’s house, played in the snow all day and she, instead of getting in a workout at lunch, shoveled snow…

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

Telework isn’t a mere perk–it’s a risk mitigation tactic. If the thought of business interruption doesn’t cross your mind when developing or reassessing your company’s workplace strategy, you’re missing the boat.

Technology has finally advanced to the point where many people can work quite efficiently at home, or a third place. Why risk huge work stoppages by having an archaic workforce strategy that only enables or allows your team to work at one site?

We saw it after Superstorm Sandy–some of the organizations best equipped for staying afoot and avoiding an utter shut down were those that had a strong workforce mobility program already in place.  If you’re still viewing telework as a perk for employees–it may be time to reconsider your stance!

Stegmeier Consulting Group can assist with a wide range of challenges involved in implementing a workplace change initiative.  Contact us to find out how our services can help your organization.


https://stegmeierconsulting.com/contact/

Phone: 440-846-1410

Changing the way organizations manage workplace change

Work Life Balance

How Work-Life Balance is Shifting (And How to Keep it in Your Favor)

There’s a new paradigm for professionals battling to balance their working time and their personal time, according to John Trougakos, an associate professor of organizational behavior at University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.  

“The ethos encouraging overworking is becoming more pronounced,” says Trougakos. Sales targets and bottom line figures are turning up the pressure on employees to perform, and perform more often. Its a conundrum for employees who want to get ahead without sacrificing time for family, friends, and recovery from mental fatigue, which is often overlooked.”

Source: disneyinstitute.com

Setting boundries is so important for employees, but how does an organization’s culture inhibit or enable this from happening?  What has your company done to establish a corporate culture that allows employees to be comfortable in saying “No.”?

Stegmeier Consulting Group can assist with a wide range of challenges involved in implementing a workplace change initiative.  Contact us to find out how our services can help your organization.


https://stegmeierconsulting.com/contact/

Phone: 440-846-1410

Changing the way organizations manage workplace change

Telework, Workplace Flexibility, Workplace Strategy

Mobile federal workforce allows for space efficiency

The Government Accountability Office reviewed five agencies that were either exploring “hoteling” programs or increasing their telework programs.  Under a hoteling system, employees no longer have a permanent work station, an effort intended to increase efficiency.

GAO picked to review the Agricultural Department, The General Services  Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, The Commerce Department’s Patent and Trademark Office and the Justice Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms  and Explosives.  All were selected because they either have adopted best practices that support a more mobile workforce or they have high levels of real property holdings.

Under a hoteling system, employees no longer have a permanent work station, an effort intended to increase space efficiency.

GAO picked to review the Agriculture Department, the General Services Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Commerce Department’s Patent and Trademark Office and the Justice Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. All were selected because they either have adopted best practices that support a more mobile workforce or they have high levels of real property holdings.

– See more at: http://fedscoop.com/report-mobile-federal-workforce-allows-space-efficiency-hoteling/#.UpyWSl0i-WE.twitter

Under a hoteling system, employees no longer have a permanent work station, an effort intended to increase space efficiency.

GAO picked to review the Agriculture Department, the General Services Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Commerce Department’s Patent and Trademark Office and the Justice Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. All were selected because they either have adopted best practices that support a more mobile workforce or they have high levels of real property holdings.

– See more at: http://fedscoop.com/report-mobile-federal-workforce-allows-space-efficiency-hoteling/#.UpyWSl0i-WE.twitter

Under a hoteling system, employees no longer have a permanent work station, an effort intended to increase space efficiency.

GAO picked to review the Agriculture Department, the General Services Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Commerce Department’s Patent and Trademark Office and the Justice Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. All were selected because they either have adopted best practices that support a more mobile workforce or they have high levels of real property holdings.

– See more at: http://fedscoop.com/report-mobile-federal-workforce-allows-space-efficiency-hoteling/#.UpyWSl0i-WE.twitter

Under a hoteling system, employees no longer have a permanent work station, an effort intended to increase space efficiency.

GAO picked to review the Agriculture Department, the General Services Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Commerce Department’s Patent and Trademark Office and the Justice Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. All were selected because they either have adopted best practices that support a more mobile workforce or they have high levels of real property holdings.

– See more at: http://fedscoop.com/report-mobile-federal-workforce-allows-space-efficiency-hoteling/#.UpyWSl0i-WE.twitter

Under a hoteling system, employees no longer have a permanent work station, an effort intended to increase space efficiency.

GAO picked to review the Agriculture Department, the General Services Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Commerce Department’s Patent and Trademark Office and the Justice Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. All were selected because they either have adopted best practices that support a more mobile workforce or they have high levels of real property holdings.

– See more at: http://fedscoop.com/report-mobile-federal-workforce-allows-space-efficiency-hoteling/#.UpyWSl0i-WE.twitter

Source: fedscoop.com

The GSA is saving $24M in rent by real estate consolidation, aided by hoteling of workers. How is your organization taking advantage of workplace efficiencies, and how prepared is your workforce for new ways of working?

Stegmeier Consulting Group can assist with a wide range of challenges involved in implementing a workplace change initiative.  Contact us to find out how our services can help your organization.


https://stegmeierconsulting.com/contact/

Phone: 440-846-1410

Changing the way organizations manage workplace change

Workplace Flexibility

Balancing act: Flexible schedules may lead to lower costs, more loyalty

“If it seems like I’m always using this space to beat the drum for improved work flexibility — well, I am.

But I’m not alone in pushing this agenda.

I receive emails every week supporting my belief that, when appropriate, flexible work options help both employees and companies improve productivity and morale.

This week’s installment comes courtesy of a recent survey of 1,300 people by FlexJobs, a website designed to help people find telecommuting and other flexible work options.”

Source: www.deseretnews.com

Smart organizations are beginning to realize that workplace flexibility is more than a perk for employees, but a great tool for attracting and retaining talent–as evidenced by the cited statistic of 46% of respondents who left because it didn’t offer them a good blend of work and personal life.

What is your organization doing to ensure that your workforce isn’t leaving for greener, more flexible pastures?

Stegmeier Consulting Group can assist with a wide range of challenges involved in implementing a workplace change initiative.  Contact us to find out how our services can help your organization.


https://stegmeierconsulting.com/contact/

Phone: 440-846-1410

Changing the way organizations manage workplace change

Work Life Balance

The “Shoves” and “Tugs” of Employee Engagement

If you saw our recent study in The New York Times, you already know the shocking news that in 42% of organizations, high performers are less engaged than low performers. But there’s a great deal of confusion over what motives people to be engaged. For example, 89% of managers surveyed believe that money is the biggest reason employees quit. But 91% of employees surveyed say money had nothing to do with their decision to leave an organization. Maybe your people want certain hours, more flexibility, better benefits, or career advancement. Then there are the folks who just want to do their current job without being pushed to climb any higher. And even the best talent can stop giving their best effort when they can’t stand their boss or they dislike their coworkers.

Source: www.wobi.com

It’s important to regularly focus on employee engagement–don’t make it a once-a-year push.  Regular touch-points can eliminate those big eruptions when it’s often too late to fix what was a stewing problem.

Stegmeier Consulting Group can assist with a wide range of challenges involved in implementing a workplace change initiative.  Contact us to find out how our services can help your organization.


https://stegmeierconsulting.com/contact/

Phone: 440-846-1410

Changing the way organizations manage workplace change

Telework, Workplace Flexibility, Workplace Strategy

How Telecommuting Can Save the Planet

How much did you travel last year? I imagine if you sat down and really thought about it, the answer would surprise you. Here are some numbers to help you along: • The average American (aged 25 to 54) spends 64 minutes per day in the car, which equates to about 35 miles per person,…

Source: www.avaya.com

The environmental impact of remote working is well-documented, but  telework as a green initiative should not be overlooked by organizations.  A remote work policy can be a big attraction tool for Millenials, as many are environmentally-conscious and want to work for an organization that shares similar values!

Stegmeier Consulting Group can assist with a wide range of challenges involved in implementing a workplace change initiative.  Contact us to find out how our services can help your organization.


https://stegmeierconsulting.com/contact/

Phone: 440-846-1410

Changing the way organizations manage workplace change

Telework

Dell Wants Half of Employees Working Remotely By 2020

Company officials say having employees telecommute or work remotely saves money, makes employees more productive and helps the environment.

Source: www.eweek.com

This echoes the sentiments we’ve seen from many of our clients: more and more organizations are embracing telework as a key component of their workplace strategy. 

Yahoo is the exception, not the rule with this trend.

Stegmeier Consulting Group can assist with a wide range of challenges involved in implementing a workplace change initiative.  Contact us to find out how our services can help your organization.


https://stegmeierconsulting.com/contact/

Phone: 440-846-1410

Changing the way organizations manage workplace change

Telework

Confessions of a Remote Worker: Part Two

Source: www.businessmanagementdaily.com

It’s always important for remote workers to keep a line of communication open with their managers.  Sometimes you have to go the extra mile to stay visible!

Stegmeier Consulting Group can assist with a wide range of challenges involved in implementing a workplace change initiative.  Contact us to find out how our services can help your organization.


https://stegmeierconsulting.com/contact/

Phone: 440-846-1410

Changing the way organizations manage workplace change

Corporate Real Estate and Facilities Management

New Habitat for Humanity HQ convenient to transit

The first “headquarters” for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, if you could even call it that, was a spare church basement

Source: www.startribune.com

In selecting a new HQ location that is well-served by public transport, an organization can more easily secure the top talent they seek; especially those Millennials they hope to employ for years to come, considering the younger generation’s draw to large urban centers.

Corporate Real Estate and Facilities Management

Prince Tennis Moves Corporate Headquarters From New Jersey To Atlanta

Prince Tennis is back from bankruptcy and shifting its corporate headquarters from Bordentown, New Jersey to the Buckhead area of Atlanta, Georgia.  The parent company, Prince Global Sports, is concurrently relocating its product research, development and player servicing activities to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, alongside the recently opened Prince Innovation […]

Source: www.forbes.com

Forbes recently rated Georgia #10 on the list of “Best States for Business and Careers”. New Jersey landed at #32. Large headquarter moves will likely become easier to make due to changes in the business environment over the last five years. Considering ever-changing regulatory environments and the mobile nature of today’s workforce, what’s to stop more companies from setting up shop elsewhere?

Stegmeier Consulting Group can assist with a wide range of challenges involved in implementing a workplace change initiative.  Contact us to find out how our services can help your organization.


https://stegmeierconsulting.com/contact/

Phone: 440-846-1410

Changing the way organizations manage workplace change