Western Telework Conference

Western Telework Conference -- Dallas, January 31, 2005

Continuity of Operations and Distributed Work Best Practices

Objective:

To bring to Executives, Managers and their Teams, the necessary conference content and course materials on Telework and Telecommuting to make a sound business decision on implementing this important part of their overall business strategy.

Click on any session number, highlighted description, or any

speaker's name to be taken to their PowerPoint presentation.

The morning session will focus on Continuity of Operations. Good Governance, in both the Public and Private Sectors, requires the inclusion of a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). Just as FEMA promotes the government's use of distributed work practices as part of its COOPs, so too must the Private Sector. Both the Whys and will be addressed

 Hows

The first afternoon session will focus on Distributed Work Best Practices, including those of setting up a safe, healthy & productive workplace, whether in a branch or home office. The second afternoon session will address how the latest secure technologies now make possible the extensive use of home-based workers. Find out how to access a larger labor pool including: military spouses, those with disabilities (including disabled veterans), those in rural communities, retired knowledge workers, and people seeking only part time employment such as stay-at-home parents. Compelling case studies will be included.

Program:

10:00-11:30 AM, Session 1

     You will learn what a COOP is, why emergency planning, preparedness and rehearsal drills/exercises are not an option, but good governance.  Find out how distributed work practices must and can become a `mainstream' part your COOP.  There will be a Review of Resources -- including what reliable and secure technologies are available.  Case studies, anecdotal stories, and financial benefits (from both the Private and Public Sectors) will demonstrate what challenges were encountered and how they were overcome.  Q&A will conclude the session.

Panel: Joe Roitz, Director of AT&T's Telework Program, Maribel Carrion, VP Finance Solutions, Nortel Networks, Matthew Stein, Cisco Systems

11.30-12:00 PM

      Break and Networking

12.00-1:30 PM

THE TELEWORK COALITION Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon with Keynote Address

        by NetworkWorld Managing Editor, Toni Kistner

1:30-2:00 PM

    Break and Networking

2:00-3:30 PM, Session 2

       Dealing with Health, Safety, and Ergonomic issues is both one of the greatest challenges and most neglected areas that your due diligence needs to address to assure the implementation of successful telework programs. Properly outfitting a home office for safety, efficiency, productivity, and comfort is also essential.  This in depth session, with two of the most successful practitioners in the field, will teach you what you need to know to avoid the common and unexpected pitfalls that can hamper your well intentioned remote work efforts. Additionally, you will learn how these best practices also apply to your 'bricks and mortar' staff. Areas to be dealt with will include:

A.   Outfitting a home office for safety, efficiency, productivity, and comfort (Lisa Kanarek)

     Changing the culture/mindset/behavior of remote workers so they understand that “safety at work, whether work is in the home or a remote      office, is good for you and your family”.In the home office, teleworkers are responsible for their own safety.  It is important to address safety issues in the home so workers can prevent problems BEFORE they occur. How to make your home office well organized, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. How to create a home office that encourages good habits and discourages bad ones. How the right space will have a positive effect on your productivity and your morale. Making the Most of Home Office Technologies. Employers have an obligation to make sure their employees have a healthy, safe, and efficient work place, wherever that is - a satellite/regional office, a telework center or a home office.

B    Health, Safety, and Ergonomic issues are the greatest challenges (Susan Harrington)

Learn:

How to make teleworkers their own inspectors - awareness is the key.

How poor office design leads to Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CDTs) and how to prevent them.

The issues of fire and electrical safety; radon; slips, trips, and falls; who's responsible; when might OSHA step in; what is sufficient employer due diligence.

What resources are available?

Q&A will follow.

Panel: Susan Harrington, President Harrington Software Associates, Lisa Kanarek, founder, HomeOfficeLife.com. Moderator: Joe McGrogan, Director Contact Center Marketing, Plantronics, Inc.

3:30-3:45 PM -Break & Networking

3:45-5:15 PM, Session 3

All organizations, both Public and Private, can dramatically reduce costs while, at the same time, benefiting both their employees' personal lives and society in general. Additionally, thousands of American jobs can be prevented from being sent offshore, while surpassing service level objectives. Cost/benefit analyses will be presented demonstrating the compelling comparisons between home-based working and the traditional bricks and mortar model. There will be a review of resources and a presentation of case studies that dramatically demonstrate the bottom line differences between the models.

Panel: Michael Amigoni, COO, ARO Outsourcing, Joe Roitz, Director of AT&T's Telework Program

5:15-5:45 PM

Break & Networking

6:00- ?

CMP Reception- Networking w/Call Center Conference attendees.