blog - 2012

International Economic Development Council recognizes WORKshift as a leader for shaping the workplace of the future

Working at Calgary Economic Development to create the WORKshift program, I get pretty excited about what it means for our city and the people who live here. By encouraging employees to work where and when they are most efficient (people used to call this “telework”), companies are able to gain a measurable competitive edge.

First off, WORKshifters are more engaged and generally satisfied. Just ask employees at TELUS, the City of Calgary, ATB Financial or NovAtel, or Eagle Professional Resources. . WORKshifting provides them with the flexibility they need to balance life in this busy city. They are also more productive – in fact, research shows that they are 15 – 40% more productive than their office-tethered colleagues.

But there’s another reason to WORKshift: the environmental and financial impact. If just one quarter of commuters in Calgary WORKshifted just one day a week, there would be 700,000 less kilometres driven per week on our roads. 700,000km a week! The impact of that is huge- the equivalent of driving to the moon and back! Less commuting means less stress on our roads and transit; less money spent on gas and parking; and more time doing the things we really want to do. 

So why is this all important? Earlier this month the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) recognized the WORKshift program with an Excellence in Economic Development with the gold award for Sustainable and Green Development.

This award recognizes programs that simultaneously target and create relationships between economic development and environmental sustainability. These efforts include, but are not limited to, programs which encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy, green buildings, materials and products, environmental technologies and industries, sustainable tourism, smart growth, green infrastructure, and green chemistry.

We know that WORKshift is having an impact in Calgary and it is fast becoming the shining example for other regions. Our team is proud of the impact we are making for employees, companies and most importantly, communities.  We’re proud to demonstrate to the rest of the world that Calgary is leading in innovations that reduce negative impacts to the environment while also positively support business vitality. Now THAT is the future of work!

For more information on the WORKshift program, visit www.workshiftcalgary.com