First ever Telework Week launched

Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams has today launched New Zealand’s first ever Telework Week, which will highlight the social, economic and environmental benefits of working from home.

Launched at Parliament, the event promotes employees using ICT to work away from their traditional place of employment, while monitoring the savings and productivity gains made in doing so.

After the week’s end, businesses should have a better understanding of the technological and workplace practices required to make teleworking a success.

“The week provides a good opportunity for businesses to learn more about telework and consider how it might benefit them and their employees. It is especially timely for businesses to think about telework and the options an ultra-fast broadband workplace provides,” Ms Adams says.

“Businesses in the competitive market for skilled staff should be thinking about the opportunities telework offers to attract employees who may not live anywhere near the company offices.

“There are already many kiwis who live in scenic parts of New Zealand while working for leading companies all around the world. Our businesses need to start thinking about how telework opens up new worlds of recruitment possibilities."

The initiative, which is led by Cisco, in partnership with Crown Fibre Holdings, Vodafone, Datacom and NZICT, is being held in conjunction with Telework Week in Australia.

For information about Telework Week go to: www.teleworknz.co.nz.