Local employers urged to adapt telecommuting

CEBU, Philippines — Filipino employers are urged to adapt the telecommuting trend, as it offers various benefits to businesses, one of which is improving cost-cutting measures.

Maria Victoria Espano, Chairperson and chief executive officer (CEO) of P&A Grant Thornton, said that while the Telecommuting Act or the Republic Act No. 11165, has been practiced by businesses in the Philippines, it is mostly adopted by multinational companies and, thus, employees are hopeful that local businesses will follow suit.

Espano cited some reasons that could have a positive impact on Philippines businesses and the Filipino workforce. This include among others; operational over-head savings; enhanced recruitment and retention; and boosts productivity.

“Telecommuting arrangement (s) is one way for employers to attract and retain premier talent, reduce overhead expenses, and increase productivity,” she reiterated.

The lady CEO explained that for many individuals, the travel time between the work place and home is becoming a major consideration whether to apply for employment with a company.

“I have increasingly heard comments from some executives that they have actually crossed out job opportunities that will require more than an hour’s commute. By offering a work from home arrangement, employers may be able to entice good potential candidates to join them.”

On the other hand, for existing employees, eliminating the daily commute will keep them happy enough to stay with an employer for the long term. It allows workers greater control over their work hours and work location.

Likewise, allowing employees to work from home can also be more productive, as they do not have the distractions or hectic pace of an office environment.

Significantly, employers are bound to expect savings in office expenses, such as office supplies, power, furniture, equipment, coffee, and janitorial services.

On the other hand, for employees, telecommuting allows people to save on expenses such as fuel, parking fees, vehicle maintenance, public transport fare, dining out, and clothing purchases, she said.

Telecommuting refers to working from an alternative workplace with the use of telecommunications and/or computer technologies. Many workers welcome this development as it eliminates travel time and costs, which has significantly increased due to the worsening traffic conditions in major cities in the country.

The law however, provides that telecommuting is subject to the discretion of the employer.

An employer in the private sector may offer a telecommuting program to its employees on a voluntary basis and upon such terms and conditions as they may mutually agree upon.

P&A Grant Thornton is a leading professional services firm with a proven track record of high-quality work. P&A is a member firm within Grant Thornton International Ltd.

Punongbayan & Araullo (P&A) is the Philippine member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL), one of the world’s leading organizations of independently owned and managed accounting and consulting firms.