Move Away from Virtual Workforce is Step Backwards for Today's Worker, Says the National Association for Business Resources

WARREN, Mich., March 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pointing to extensive research from more than a decade of experience with the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For™ program, National Association for Business Resources (NABR) CEO Jennifer Kluge today criticized Yahoo and Best Buy for recently reversing their policies around allowing employees to work from home.

"It's unfortunate that the decisions by Yahoo and Best Buy to move away from having virtual employees comes at a time when technology, accessibility of good talent and the realities of family life are converging to create a climate that increasingly supports the value of virtual work," said Kluge. "Technology has made it possible for companies of any size to hire the best workers, no matter where they are located or the particulars of their home situation, promoting both employee productivity and work-life balance," she continued. 

Kluge noted that fully 75 percent of the companies chosen to receive Best and Brightest Companies awards offer their employees the opportunity to telecommute. She explained that the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For™ program recognizes companies that see their employees as their greatest asset and work with conviction to create organizational value and business results through their people. NABR considers winning companies to represent the leading edge in human resources practices.

Kluge also noted that studies like the "Engaging Virtual Employees: Innovative Approaches to Fostering Community," a white paper published by The Forum: Business Results Through People in 2012, demonstrates that the ability to work virtually has paved the way for employers to not only to hire the best talent possible, but also to retain talent that might be lost to competitors. "The study also highlights the challenges of engaging employees and promoting relationships, and details the  strategies that can help make that happen," she commented.

In the end, Kluge urged companies to carefully consider the benefits of virtual work--especially for promoting the work-life balance that attracts and retains employees—before changing policies and compelling workers to do all aspects of their jobs at a physical work site. "It's time for business leaders to employ their ingenuity instead of reverting to outdated business practices," she concluded.

The "Best and Brightest Companies to Work For™," a program of the National Association for Business Resources, is presented in such cities as Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, Houston and Grand Rapids as well as nationally. It provides yearlong education, benchmarking, assessment tools and interaction amongst the best employers. To see the list of 2012 honorees visit http://www.101bestandbrightest.com/winners/2012/national.

SOURCE National Association for Business Resources