Prepared Teleworking in RMS – Leading by example 30/01/13

RMS and Teleworking RMS was the first government agency in Australia to develop a working from home policy, and to identify the positive impacts of this on employee travel behaviour. RMS maintains the NSW Teleworking Manual which is available to all NSW workplaces. RMS currently operates two telecentres, in West Gosford and Penrith. These are equipped as satellite RMS offices, with RMS network access and other facilities to enable staff who live close to either location to work there on one or two days each week when they do not need to make a longer trip to their normal RMS work location.

Teleworking is a privilege not a given right Current conditions for employees in RMS to telework: 1.Work can be completed efficiently and productively; 2.Internal and external client and customer service delivery is maintained; and 3.Prior approval is obtained. RMS Teleworking documents: Teleworking Policy Teleworking Agreement Home Inspection Report

Process

Participation 14% of office-based RMS staff currently telework Majority are teleworking less than a few days a month, Most telework from home (62%) and have varying rather than set days. Managers who telework themselves are more likely to approve telework arrangements for their staff. A successful teleworking program, required a dedicated teleworking coordinator and ongoing political support.

Main Benefits Improved productivity Savings in office space Less absenteeism Easier staff recruitment Reduce traffic, especially during peak time

Main Challenges Teleworking during a restructure Management resistance Establish ongoing trust between employee and his/her manager Gaining and maintaining political support for the Teleworking program Establishing evidence for the success of the program

Thinking big RMS signed to the Federal Government Telework Partners program I represent the NSW Transport Cluster on the Federal Telework Advisory Panel The National Telework Week and the Telework Congress held in November 2012 and were a big success in promoting Teleworking across Australia.

Teleworking: the making of more productive and happy employees “I’m able to organise myself to do the chores which can only be done close to home, on the day I telework. I am also less stressed and able to allocate my time more productively, to work rather than travel.” “I feel like I got my life back. I’ve reduced the number of hours that I commute. Through working flexibly I’ve been able to fulfil a 20 year dream of mine to complete a Bachelor of Management.”