Industry IQ: Alternative workplace strategies on the rise

In an ongoing attempt to cut costs and keep key employees, more employers are using alternative workplace strategies (AWS) that allow employees to work from places other than the main office, according to a recent survey co-conducted by Microsoft Corp. Alternatives include open office settings, satellite offices or other remote locations. Companies enact AWS policies to reduce travel costs, the survey reported. More than half of those polled revealed “the commitment to the overall AWS strategy has increased significantly to support current economic conditions.” Corporations are enacting AWS for two reasons. “The first reason is about people–the ability to attract and retain talent and provide a better work-life balance by enabling employees the flexibility to work remotely,” said Katherine Randolph, director, unified communications for Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft. “Second, improving productivity and collaboration.” Survey respondents were not optimistic about future business conditions: 62 percent predicted that economic conditions would continue through 2010.