In an ongoing attempt to cut costsand keep key employees, more employers are using alternativeworkplace strategies (AWS) that allow employees to work from placesother than the main office, according to a recent surveyco-conducted by Microsoft Corp. Alternatives include open officesettings, satellite offices or other remote locations. Companiesenact AWS policies to reduce travel costs, the survey reported.More than half of those polled revealed “the commitment to theoverall AWS strategy has increased significantly to support currenteconomic conditions.” Corporations are enacting AWS for tworeasons. “The first reason is about people–the ability to attractand retain talent and provide a better work-life balance byenabling employees the flexibility to work remotely,” saidKatherine Randolph, director, unified communications for Redmond,Wash.-based Microsoft. “Second, improving productivity andcollaboration.” Survey respondents were not optimistic about futurebusiness conditions: 62 percent predicted that economic conditionswould continue through 2010.