/24-7PressRelease/ - Red Deer, Alberta, August 30, 2008 - Although it wasn't her first reason for making the change, saving on gas is proving to be a huge side benefit.
When discussing the high price of gasoline, you often hear that many "have no choice but to drive just to get to work, never mind unessential trips."
You're right; many people do not have a choice. But are you one of them?
Denise Jeffrey had driven to work for the last 18 years, but 2 years ago came across a program in the Red Deer College course book that changed her way of thinking: Virtual Assistance Certificate.
Instead of working in an office with a boss, she has recently opened a Virtual Assistant (VA) business. As a certified VA, Denise works from her own home office, using her own equipment, to provide administrative and creative services to businesses and individuals on a contract basis. She uses internet, email, phone, and fax for communicating and data delivery, so she can work with clients anywhere in the world and perform any task that is usually handled by an in-house employee.
"By partnering with a VA, clients save money too," states Denise. "They get the benefits of an experienced assistant without having to pay for all the employee related costs (payroll taxes, benefits, vacation, insurance, office space and equipment, idle time and absenteeism.)"
As their partner, Denise saves money on gas, and has the flexibility to choose when she works, how much she works and who she wants to work for. Plus, she enjoys the diversity of working with many different people from anywhere in the world. It's a win-win situation.
Now you don't necessarily have to start your own home-based business, another alternative that more companies are incorporating is telecommuting. As an employee, you enjoy flexibility in both your work location and hours. With the increased use of computers and advances in wireless and network technology, you have the ability to stay connected to the office no matter where you are.
Although Canadian statistics were harder to come by, Denise did find the following regarding the key findings of "Sun Microsystems,Inc, Open Work Energy Measurement Project:
• Employees saved more than $1,700 per year in gasoline and wear and tear on their vehicles by working at home an average of 2.5 days a week.
• Office equipment energy consumption rate at a Sun office was two times that of home office equipment energy consumption, from approximately 64 watts per hour at home to 130 watts per hour at a Sun office.
• Commuting was more than 98 percent of each employee's carbon footprint for work, compared to less than 1.7 percent of total carbon emissions to power office equipment.
• By eliminating commuting just 2.5 days per week, an employee reduces energy used for work by the equivalent of 5,400 Kilowatt hours/year.
• Working from home 2.5 days per week saved the employees in the study an average of 2.5 weeks of commute time (8 hours/day, 5 days/week). "
(Sun Microsystems Study Finds Open Work Program; Saves Employees Time and Money, Decreases Carbon Output - Average Employee Saves 2.5 Workweeks Per Year in Commute Time, More than $1,700 in Gas and Wear and Tear on Vehicle, and 5,400 Kilowatt Hours/Year Working Flexibly - SANTA CLARA, CA June 9, 2008 )
"I'm sure the impact in Red Deer, AB, (where the commute is small) is not as noticeable," says Denise, "but I've already noticed that I fill the tank less frequently now, and it's a lot easier to say no to those unessential trips. It's also nice to know that I've reduced my environmental impact."
As the prices rise on just about everything, companies are going to have to be more flexible and creative in how they do business, both to save themselves money and to retain quality employees. Have you looked into your options? Virtual assistance, telecommuting, taking the bus, carpooling, or longer shifts on fewer days (so you're driving in less often) are only a few alternatives.
It may be time to get creative, AND if you can find ways to save your company money, aren't you worth more?
For more information contact:
Denise Jeffrey
http://www.abouttimevacs.ca
denise@abouttimevacs.ca
403-506-5959
About About Time VACS
About Time Virtual Assistance & Commemorative Services is an independent contractor providing administrative support and personalized commemorative gifts to small, large or home-based businesses & individuals. If you don't have either the time or space or expertise or staff to complete a task in-house, give Denise a call. She can help.
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