What do a tsunami, 2 hurricanes, a subway bombing, and a transit strike have in common? An opportunity for JPMorgan Chase to not skip a beat.
Why would a company want a workforce accustomed to telework? There are several reasons. One is, as part of a flexible workplace initiative that encourages employees to work when and where they are most productive. By doing this, employers are able to reduce employees' commute time - allowing productive work while not adding to roadway congestion and air pollutants. Another reason is to have a workforce who is accustomed to telework so when circumstances prevent employees from coming into the office, work still happens.
JPMorgan Chase understands the advantages of having a flexible workplace and has taken the lead in providing flex options for employees. This long-standing program allowed employees to continue working when during 2005, their work locations in Indonesia, New Orleans, Houston, London and New York were closed. During and after these emergency situations, employees were unable to go to the office, but were still able to go to work.
The question might not be should employers "allow" their employees to telework, but should employers "encourage" the right employees in the right jobs to telework thus enabling them to keep working when they can't come into the office.
Houston is leading the way in workplace flexibility and JPMorgan Chase is a great example of a corporation who understands the advantages of a flexible workplace.
