Teleworking Practices in the Professional Services Sector: Insights from Solutions Consortech

2023-09-20 02:43:11

Posted 37 minutes ago

“Well before the pandemic, we always left the option of teleworking part-time or as needed,” says Guillaume Genest, partner, general manager, for Solutions Consortech. (Photo: 123RF)

In the weekly fall series FOR OR AGAINST TELEWORK, Deals puts forward the best practices from both camps, in order to rally their employees to their position and make the organization prosper. If you read the cons, then the following week it will be a for. Follow the debate!

Who: Guillaume Genest, partner, general director

Business: Solutions Consortech

Sector: Professional services

11 to 49 employees

What formula was adopted?

Teleworking only

Tell us where employees usually work

Of the House

Was this the formula applied before February 2020?

No. Well before the pandemic, we always left the option of teleworking part-time or as needed. In November 2019, we invested in new offices adapted to current tastes and as soon as the pandemic hit, teleworking remained. Employees no longer wanted to return to the office, despite various attempts, with the exception of one day every 3-4 weeks. Considering the rent costs for so little use and a desire on the part of the employees not to return to the office, we decided to cede our lease.

What are the factors, policies, provisions that make this formula work for your business?

An opening to teleworking which dates from before the pandemic. A technological infrastructure conducive to teleworking. The nature of the work carried out, namely consulting services carried out with clients throughout North America and 100% virtually. Carrying out a virtual work session for 3 hours while being in the office or at home changes nothing for the employee.

In the coming months, will the organization of work change?

Yes. We still seek to improve pleasure at work, collaboration and exchanges between colleagues in a 100% virtual context.

What is your position regarding teleworking, face-to-face and hybrid working?

I am against forcing employees back to work in person. I am for giving free choice. I am also aware that certain business contexts make it less possible to keep employees teleworking at all times. I am therefore in favor of having an open discourse where the employer expresses its expectations and objectives and the employees find the best solution that suits them.