(Pictured from left to right: Allison Little – UCB Pharmaceuticals, Trent Williamson – Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Sean Saffle – Georgia Commute Options, Keith Parker – MARTA, Governor Nathan Deal, Toby Carr – Georgia DOT, Allie Velleca – Georgia Commute Options, and Cam Yearty – Georgia DOT)

Teleworking can have immediate impacts on our environment, air quality, and commuter mobility, reducing vehicle emissions and strain on existing infrastructure. On August 7th, Gov. Nathan Deal proclaimed this week, September 15-19, as the fifth annual Georgia Telework Week.

The potential growth for teleworking in our region is tremendous. On average, teleworkers report better work and life balance as well as higher job satisfication rates than other employees. Additionally, formal telework programs play a key role in business continuity, allowing businesses to continue should an unforeseen event occur. Metro businesses can save money as a result of lower facility and energy costs, more productivity from their workforce, reduced absenteeism, and increased recruitment and retention.

During Telework Week, Georgia Commute Options asks for Metro Atlanta employers to commit their support of teleworking. Those who sign their commitment to the recognition week will see their company named in an Atlanta Business Chronicle ad on October 3.

Georgia Commute Options promotes the use of alternatives to driving alone to and from work, like teleworking. You can learn more about the activities occurring during the fifth annual Georgia Telework Week here. To get in touch with a Georgia Commute Options representative to learn more about how to get a telework program started at your workplace, please click here. To find out more about commute options for state employees, visit the DOAS website, here.