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Sustel 2003
Telework Report
Is Teleworking Sustainable?- An Analysis of its Economic, Environmental and
Social Impacts |
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Background The two-year
SusTel (Sustainable Teleworking) study
The largest ever European study into the impact of teleworking reveals list
of major benefits to employers and staff:
The study involved research in five European
countries and included 30 case studies and six surveys of teleworkers. It
was funded by the European Commission's Information Society Technologies (IST)
programme. Findings include: |
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Transport |
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Each BT teleworker
questioned for the survey saves 253 km per week by not commuting to and from
work. But they drive an additional 60 km in errands during the day |
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Over 40% of UK
teleworkers save 6-10 hours per week in their commuting times. 10% saved
over 16 hours per week. |
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Economic |
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Around 65% of
teleworkers said they had higher productivity, 60% said work quality had
improved |
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Teleworking reduces
absenteeism by around 70% in the UK |
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In most cases,
teleworking encourages staff to develop important skills such as time
management and acting autonomously. |
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94% of BMW
teleworkers in Germany report increased job satisfaction because of
teleworking. 90% said the taking up and implementation of new ideas had
improved, and 69% reported a reduction in fatigue. |
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Over 65% of BT
workers say teleworking had boosted their personal incomes |
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Social / personal / health findings: |
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Around 90% of UK
teleworkers report enjoying a better quality of life and having a work-life
balance despite working longer hours.
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In most cases,
teleworking has a powerful positive effect on personal relationships
especially between adult partners.
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Teleworking is
increasingly popular with older people, particularly those who want a paid
transition into retirement, are fed up with commuting, or have a retired
partner at home. |
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Teleworkers find
work more rewarding as they are able to concentrate on completing tasks to a
higher than average standard. |
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More than 50% of UK
teleworkers say teleworking has had a positive effect on their health. |
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Around 40% of UK
teleworkers say less driving (to and from work) has been the biggest
positive impact on their health. Other causes of improved health are less
work and personal stress, more domestic harmony, more exercise, and a better
diet. |
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People on lower
incomes may be excluded from becoming teleworkers because they lack
sufficient space, may be at risk of equipment theft, or have other
income-related reasons that prevent them from working from home. |
