We’ve all seen it. A new gadget comes out that is going to help us manage our time and work and home more effectively. But we spend more time at work and when we aren’t at work, we’re still tethered to our offices. How has that made things better?

Technology’s promise to fix the work / life balance has failed.

The nature of work has changed. More and more you don’t need to go to work to be at work. What if you could work when, where and how you are most effective and efficient?

Welcome to WORKshift. The innovative organization is dedicated to promoting, educating and accelerating the adoption of flexible work programs that allow companies across Canada to finally accept and embrace our changed world.

WORKshift is a safe-haven for organizations risking the turbulent seas of this mega-change environment towards increased flexible work. We have the knowledge and tools to help make your organization’s flexible work program a success right from the start.

WORKshift is more than just a telework program.

It’s a flexible work program that focuses on results, not the hours an employee sits at their desk.

When many people hear about flexible work programs, they think telecommuting. They think of people sitting at home in their bunny slippers with a laptop 5 days a week.

No longer does flexible mean telecommuting. WORKshift is a management practice that gives employees “permission” to work where and when they are most effective. Often this means someone is working from homes, an airport or a coffee shop just one or 2 days a week.

It’s not about reinventing your business – it’s about accepting that the change has already happened, and understanding how our companies, cities and families can benefit from it.

We’re here to guide your organization through this change.

So what is WORKshift? We help organizations raise their knowledge and understanding of the virtual work phenomenon, increase their acumen in addressing their specific needs and be more certain of the kind of vendor help they may need.

WORKshift offers businesses and cities in the tools and resources to assess and effectively implement flexible work programs for their employees.

More than just an advocacy group, we work with both cities and corporations to help them develop their own robust programming. Don’t be surprised if you see a WORKshift presence in your own city in the coming months.

For companies, we have worked for years to develop a solution to the challenges associated with adoption of flex work programs. We know this isn’t easy which is why we have created “WORKshift in a box”: information, tools and access to best-in-class partners to assess your organizational needs, build a business case, implement the program, measure results and ultimately WORKshift certify your company as WORKshift friendly.

We know our phones don’t stop ringing with job seekers asking us to connect them with companies that “get it”. Our new certification program (coming soon!) will allow your company to demonstrate you understand the culture and skills required for the future!

First conceived of in Calgary Alberta Canada WORKshift has worked with over 30 companies to help them understand the benefits of flexible work and more importantly, to adopt customized programs that work for their organizations.

So why get involved with WORKshift?

There are many benefits to employers, including:

• A more engaged and satisfied workforce - employees who WORKshift are 15 - 40% more productive than their in-office colleagues
• A flexible work model that helps to address skilled labour shortages
• An eco-friendly work model that reduces the carbon footprint, allowing businesses to become more sustainable and better reflect the values of their employees

On the flip side, workers are ideally suited to WORKshift, since:

A significant number are knowledge-workers

Many are willing to try new ways of working and doing business to increase profitability and better the community

Canadians are known for their entrepreneurial and pioneering spirit