Ready — Tuesday September 26 at noon — Teleworking: “I’m ready to give free choice”

“Before the pandemic, we always left the option of part-time or teleworking as needed,” says Guillaume Genest, partner, general manager for Solutions Consortium. (Photo: 123RF)

In the weekly fall series For or Against Telework, Agreements Brings forward best practices from both camps to empower their employees and grow the organization. If you read the negatives, next week it will be for one. Follow the discussion!

WHO: Guillaume Genest, Partner, General Director

Business: Consortium Solutions

Sector: Professional services

11 to 49 employees

Which formula is accepted?

Tele working only

Tell us where employees usually work

Relating to the assembly

Was this formula applied before February 2020?

No. Before the pandemic, we always left the option of part-time or as-needed teleworking. In November 2019, we invested in new offices to meet current trends and as soon as the pandemic hit, teleworking remained. Except for one day every 3-4 weeks, employees no longer want to return to the office, despite various attempts. Considering the rental costs for very little use and the employees’ desire not to return to the office, we decided to let go of our lease.

What are the factors, policies, rules that make this formula work for your business?

• Opening to teleworking from before the pandemic.
• Technological infrastructure conducive to teleworking.
• The nature of the work performed is consulting services performed with clients throughout North America and virtually 100%. Conducting a virtual work session for 3 hours while at work or at home does not make any difference to the employee.

In the coming months, will the organization of work change?

Yes. We still strive to improve the enjoyment of work, collaboration and exchange between colleagues in a 100% virtual context.

What is your position on teleworking, face-to-face and hybrid working?

I am against forcing employees to work individually. I am for free choice. I also know that some business situations make it less feasible to have employees teleworking all the time. Therefore, I am in favor of having an open speech where the employer expresses his expectations and goals and the employees find the best solution that suits them.

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