Title: An applied research analysis of telework programmes as an environmentally friendly policy and a viable sustainability development leadership practice

Authors: Darrell Norman Burrell; Marybeth E. Barnard-Zaffino; Sadaf Ulomi

Addresses: Walden University, USA; George Mason University, USA; A.T. Still University, USA ' Marylhurst University, USA ' George Mason University, USA

Abstract: This article discusses telework as an environmentally friendly policy and its role as a convenient way for governments and businesses to encourage sustainable development leadership practices as effective employee retention and recruiting tools. Telework is a technological advancement, which allows employees to work in approximation to their home or any accessible location. Telework policy innovations allow employers to cut costs, increase communication, tailor to employee needs, and have an effective framework for disaster recovery and business continuity organisational plans. With the use of telework governments can tap into new labour markets such as single parents or the disabled. Telecommunication allows for flexibility in employees schedules. Telework enables firms to lower direct and indirect green gas house emissions through not only the use of less resources at the work site but further reducing CO₂ by travelling less miles to work. Telework is an important way for the government to be the leader in showing all businesses how to cut cost and promote sustainability. The continual improvement of technologies within the business community can benefit firms both financially and environmentally through the use of telework.

Keywords: sustainability; environmental policy; business continuity; telecommuting; telework; environmentally friendly policies; sustainable development; leadership practice; employee retention; employee recruitment; flexible working; carbon emissions; CO2; carbon dioxide.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEPDM.2014.067577

International Journal of Environmental Policy and Decision Making, 2014 Vol.1 No.2, pp.123 - 143

Accepted: 04 Apr 2013
Published online: 28 Feb 2015 *

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