In 2010, as part of building a case for the national broadband network, the Gillard government set a target for teleworking, suggesting the Australian economy could save between $1.4 billion and $1.9 billion a year if 10% of the workforce teleworked half the time.
Other research supports these findings. A two-year study using randomly assigned groups found a 13% productivity increase. It also found turnover decreased by 50% among those working at home and that they took shorter breaks and fewer sick days. And the company saved around US$2,000 ($2,784) per employee on lease costs.
A halfway house is for employees working from home to have access to shared co-working spaces (working with workers from other firms and other industries) where they can get some of the benefits of being in the office without having to travel there.
Co-working spaces have been shown to reduce isolation, while providing employees with the benefits of access to a more diverse network and exposure to innovative ideas.
Libby Sander is Assistant Professor of Organisational Behaviour, Bond Business School, Bond University.