OPPOSITION Spokesperson on Science, ICT and Digital Economy Development,

Dr Andrew Wheatley, has proposed an initiative through which specific public sector jobs could be done from home.

The initiative, called the Electronic Home Office Mode of Employment (e-HOME), would see workers using broadband and various other technologies to do their jobs without commuting to the office.

Wheatley, who made his contribution to the 2015/16 Sectoral Debate in Parliament last Wednesday, argued that the initiative could result in numerous spin-off benefits for the country, including increased employee productivity and job satisfaction, increased employee empowerment and collaboration, increased departmental efficiency, and reduction in unscheduled absence from work.

He also noted that there would be a reduction in the cost of leaving home to go to work, including clothing, transportation, fuel, food, among other things.

In addition, Wheatley said the initiative would lead to a reduction in traffic and, by extension, road fatalities.

It would also have a positive impact on the environment, he argued.

According to Wheatley, working from home could also mean a reduction in the public sector wage bill from derived efficiencies; savings to the Government in areas such as rental costs, energy consumption, stationery and supplies, and other operational costs. He also noted that it would facilitate an increase in employment opportunities locally and overseas.

“As the largest employer in this country, the Government must lead this charge and demonstrate the real benefits that can be derived from the culture shift that is embodied in the concept. Work is something you do, not somewhere you go,” he argued.

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WHEATLEY…work is something you do, not somewhere you go