GAS PRICES, HORRENDOUS TRAFFIC AND THE FUTURE OF TELECOMMUTING

Are you one of the millions of "Angelinos" that are stuck in horrible bumper to bumper traffic everyday on your way to and from work?

Are you one of the millions of "Angelinos" who are disgusted when you are idling on the 405 wasting gas that you paid $5 a gallon for?

We are...

Well guess what? This is a real problem...and unfortunately the gas debacle that our country has gotten itself into has no end in sight.

So as a resource agency, that staffs freelancers, contractors and fulltimers, what can we do about it?

Actually we're gearing up to be very vocal in the effort to bring about a change in the way companies view freelancers and contractors. The old school way of thinking and working requires people to be onsite, on-staff at an employers work space. Well , let's face it, in today's internet driven world, why do certain people need to be onsite working everyday?

Many of the jobs that we staff for can be done from a home office, at the very least a few days a week. And with technology including online databases like Basecamp and even cameras on PCs and laptops, why not let a PHP programmer or a graphic designer work form home more often?

The problem seems to stem from a philosophical point of view and most clients will testify that having people in the office every day is good for morale...which I'm sure it is. BUT, would allowing someone to work form home a few days or even one day a week hurt your morale? I think not, if you've hired the right people.

Maybe extra incentive is needed for clients to take that philosophical leap. Since the state offers tax breaks for companies that car pool?...why not for companies that allow people to telecommute?

One social network is proposing just that...
http://notraffic.org/index/index.php

So if you're a client who hires freelancers and contractors, or a freelancer or contractor, take this philosophical leap. It will save people gas, save people money and time as well as keep more cars off the road... and a proposed tax break might be a good idea to get people to make that jump.

Think of it this way, go "green" and save "green."

We at 11thr are advocates for this cause and have made the leap...

We are looking for others to join us...so please share your thoughts, ideas and actions with us as we will be sharing them with you in the upcoming months.

More to come, stay tuned!
11thr-Team