Definition
The term flexplace refers to a company policy that allows an employee to work away from their regular reporting location. Also known as telecommuting, flexplace policies provide employees with the opportunity to work from home or a more convenient office location. This trend is going to increase during the following years. For example, as stated in remote work accountancy statistics, 81% of accountancy firms feel that there will be a big increase in remote work.
In addition, some companies extend this opportunity to work from home to also, allow their employees to use their own devices for work. This practice is called BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and it is very common in the last few years.
Explanation
Also referred to as an alternate work location program, flexplace is a benefit offered to employees that allows them to select the location they will work from each day. Normally, flexplace arrangements permit an employee to work at home, or another office location, for a specific number of days each week. Flexplace provides employees with an opportunity to lower their commuting and parking expenses. Working from home can oftentimes provide the employee with a workplace with fewer interruptions too.
Participation in a telecommuting program is usually voluntary, and normally requires the approval of the employee's supervisor or manager. Programs will typically state employees do not have the right to work from an alternative location, and the company reserves the right to discontinue the program.
Employees are expected to work in a place that is safe from hazards and free of dangerous equipment. They will also need to ensure confidential business materials, both physical and electronic, are safeguarded and not accessible to others. Companies usually prohibit employees from caring for a child, disabled, or elderly person during work hours; even when working from home.
Employers may also purchase hardware or software applications for an employee that works from their home, or permit the employee to use equipment that meets the company's security and performance standards. Employees will normally be entitled to recover any additional expenses they incur through the company's standard reimbursement program.
However, it should be mentioned that, according to remote work statistics, remote work is not yet accepted by nearly half of all businesses, despite the rise in popularity.