Brisbane City Council advocates working from home

By Kylie McIntosh

Brisbane City Council (BCC) generates significant employment in Queensland and established their telecommuting policy in 1997.

The stay at home staff is generally permanent part-time staff and those who job share, according to a BCC spokesperson. These roles are assessed on an individual basis.
“Applications are assessed on a case by case basis – a role must be suitable in relation to the degree of face to face contact required with clients and colleagues as well as the ability to access the necessary technology and equipment required to perform effectively in the role.

“An individual’s characteristics may also be taken into account. For example, they must be able to work autonomously and meet deadlines. In addition, the home office must be assessed as safe and there must be sufficient budget to support any additional office equipment required.”
According to BCC the benefits of allowing staff to work from home include increased productivity; less traffic on the roads which contributes to a cleaner environment through reduced greenhouse gas emissions; reduced office space and associated operating costs where ‘hotdesking’ arrangements are utilised.

It also increases employee retention and is a weather-proof arrangement. Employees are more accessible and it’s an attraction strategy for recruitment said BCC.

The benefits for staff include less commuting time; reduced transport costs; greater flexibility and more ability to combine work with lifestyle responsibilities, increased opportunities to achieve work/life priorities, increased job satisfaction, less distractions from open plan office noise and, possibly, less stressed employees.