NorthernTelework.ca

Telework has long been known as the healthier way to work, in more ways than one. It reduces airborne illnesses from pollution, chiefly vehicle exhausts, and from disease spread in workplaces and injuries from vehicle accidents. It relieves the strain on budgets by cutting costs and boosting productivity. For these reasons telework is an excellent strategy for resource-strapped healthcare providers.

Telus, B.C.’s largest private-sector employer, is doing a dry run for the 2010 Olympics today by promoting green commuting options.

At the top of the telecommunications giant’s list to prepare for the Games is taking 1,000 vehicles off the road by encouraging as many employees as possible to work from home — the ultimate green commute.

Hundreds of thousands of Canadians keep an office in their home that can legitimately qualify for some kind of tax break.

You probably know someone in this category — your uncle Irving with the home-based consulting business, your cousin Mary the freelance writer, or your neighbour Fred the telecommuting employee. Each of these people may be able to reduce their tax bill by deducting all or part of the costs of earning income from work they do in their own home.

Despite lean staffs and tough economic times, fewer IT professionals intend to spend holiday time in the office this season, according to survey results that show the number of high-tech workers planning to log hours at work reduced by half since 2006.