A growing number of companies are encouraging workers to work from home.
As the recession spirals downward and companies look to save money on real estate costs, what was once a cushy perk is now deemed a business necessity. Companies are selling the work-at-home concept to employees with a shiny new BlackBerry, free Internet and home office furniture. To encourage more of its workforce to become post-geographic, companies are offering free high-speed Internet access and gratis office furniture, complete with a couple of delivery guys to set it up.
Still, persuading managers to embrace no-collar work isn't always easy. Jack Weisbaum, CEO of accounting firm BDO Seidman, has spent endless hours over the past year managing what he calls the "yeah buts." These are the old-school executives among his crew who have an arsenal of reasons why untethering workers is a lousy idea: They'll become Facebook addicts, ignore clients, develop a bad case of alienation. Weisbaum went on the road to nearly all 37 of the firm's offices to explain how he sees flexibility as a business strategy. He told the troops that allowing people to work where and when they want is enabling BDO to prevent layoffs.
The real estate savings are a big reason for that. When BDO moves into its new Los Angeles offices in June, it will be taking over a radically reduced space. "Bricks and mortar are like a noose around your neck," says Christopher Tower, BDO's leader for the Western region.
None of this is to say the corporate office will disappear. But hard times will accelerate a Digital Age makeover. The new workplace will be less about working alone and more about working together virtually. One thing, however, will never change: The office will remain the primary spot for meetings, collaboration and, of course, gossip.
Source: BUSINESSWEEK, March 9, 2009
