Best Workplaces for Commuters

Telework continues to spark the interest of workers and workplaces. Netconference presenters Kate Lister and Tom Harnish from the Telework Research Network provided a synthesis of their latest research on the state of telework in the U.S. You can view the recording (no recording key or password is required) and download a pdf copy of the presentation (7MB).

Their presentation shed light on how telework has grown in recent years, who’s doing it, where they’re working, the barriers to its adoption, and where the trend might be headed. Attendees to the netconference gained a deeper understanding of the current and likely future state of telework. They heard about:

• How telework participation differs by industry, geography, income, and other factors
• What share of the nation’s workforce holds telework-compatible jobs
• The potential economic, energy-saving, and environmental impact of frequent telework
• What’s holding telework back.

This netconference held on October 13, 2011 was co-sponsored by Best Workplaces for Commuters, the National Center for Transit Research (NCTR) at the University of South Florida, and the Telework Council of the Association for Commuter Transportation.

The National Center for Transit Research (NCTR) names George Mason University a Best Workplace for Commuters. George Mason University (Mason), located in the heart of Northern Virginia’s technology corridor near Washington, D.C., is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in a range of academic fields. With strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering, information technology, biotechnology and health care, Mason prepares its alumni to succeed in the workforce and meet the needs of the region and the world. Mason professors conduct groundbreaking research in areas such as cancer, climate change, information technology and the biosciences. Mason’s Center for the Arts brings world-renowned artists, musicians and actors to its stage. Its School of Law is recognized by “U.S. News and World Report” as one of the top 40 law schools in the United States.

Mason provides free shuttles for faculty/staff/students between campuses and local shopping centers. Alternative transportation initiatives such as Faculty/Staff Car Pooling, ZimRide ride sharing program, and participation in the Commuter Choice Benefits Programs are just some of the programs at Mason. On the horizon is a Bike to Mason Benefit and expansion of the shuttles program. As early as 2006 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) named Mason to its list of “Best Workplaces for Commuters” among the nation’s schools. Institutions on the list help cut traffic congestion and pollution by providing mass transit, encouraging car pooling, improving air quality and saving energy. In November, 2009 Mason’s Arlington Campus received the Outstanding Commuter Benefits Award from Arlington County’s Fresh AIRE program. Fresh AIRE is Arlington’s Initiative to Reduce Emissions throughout the entire county. The award specifically recognizes Mason’s Arlington Campus for the variety of transportation options and the accessibility of commuting information to employees and students.