¿Teletrabajas? Vamos a revisar tu salario

Are you a teleworker? Let’s revise your salary

There is a great deal of uncertainty about the future of office spaces and how companies which employ them are going to meet their needs. The level of acceptance and impact of the “new normal” in employees should not be taken lightly when moving forward on a decision. There is no room for experimentation, since errors can be costly, and companies have suffered enough over the last two months. After all, they must be profitable, which is a simple equation of cash inflows and outflows.

Cost per employee

It seems that, to a greater or lesser extent, telework is here to stay. The use of technology over the last months of confinement has accelerated the maturity of digitalization processes by approximately 5 to 7 years. Even if this figure varies according to the source, progress is noticeable, and we must make use of this momentum. Apart from technology, we need a positive PREACH and the trust of employers and organizations. That said, let us make some quick estimates. If there are less people working in the same space, the occupation ratio decreases and the cost per employee rises considerably. These figures are going to be in the back of the mind of all general managers and will be perceived as a cost-saving opportunity, for sure.

The first impulse is to reduce square footage, but it is not that simple, there are other factors to take into account. The limitations associated to rental agreements are the most important factor, but there is also fear about the near future, voiced by corporate real estate managers: “what would happen if we had to revert to the previous situation?” Plans to open new spaces are most definitely not moving forward. In fact, large corporations have halted any projects for new office buildings, as in the case of JPMorgan’s headquarters in the USA. The message that gets across is prudence and patience.

Cost of the employee

Most companies are planning a staged return to normal activity, according to how critical the job position is, and the safety measures and restrictions being implemented. Other companies have already told their employees they will not have to return until the end of 2020, and among them, some like Facebook, Google or AMEX, even extend the date to 2021. Those at the forefront of technology are going to accept telework indefinitely, as has been confirmed by Twitter’s CEO. Far from weighing in on what is the best option, we believe it is interesting to find out what strategies are being adopted.

The different scenarios are a chance for opportunism, and it will remain to be seen whether telework will be truly telework: a job that can be performed from anywhere. In the famous Silicon Valley area, the saying goes that a six-figure salary allows you to “make ends meet”, since rental prices and the cost of living is extremely high. From that point of view, it is not far-fetched to think: “since I am teleworking, I can move to a cheaper place, and double or triple my purchasing power with the same salary”. Companies have anticipated the move and are already preparing theirs. They plan to reduce the cost per employee, paying according to where the workers live. This measure, which is nothing new, will require presenting proof of residence, and even surprise visits might be in store.

Cost for the employee

The flip side of the coin is the cost of working from home for the employee—and who will foot the bill. In most countries there is a legal void regarding labor regulation and safety issues while teleworking. Without going into specifics, certain aspects are clear. Working from home requires a working space, supplies and ergonomics. The square footage used would represent, supposedly, the equivalent savings in office space. Supplies are connectivity, energy, consumables, or even cleaning services and wear-and-tear of spaces that are used for longer periods of time. Regarding ergonomics, we could mention the use of an adequate screen or having plenty of light to ensure visual comfort, as well as the quality of the chair or the footrest, for instance. All this comes at a cost and who pays for what must be defined.

On the other hand, the teleworker saves time and reduces costs of transportation. The average commuting time in some cities is 110 minutes per day, which represents almost 45 full workdays in transit. The risk of traffic accidents and the environmental impact are also reduced. Cities have reduced pollution during confinement by an average of 25%, and up to 65% in New Delhi. Not having to leave the house also means saving on clothes, and the increased comfort of wearing informal shoes and clothes. Everyone can cook and eat at home, which is healthier, and represents further savings.

In short, there are helpful aspects in both sides of the equation, but what remains clear is that an equilibrium must be reached and must be a win-win situation which, as we say, is a solid base for any model of facility management.

share on your social networks

Do you want more information about what we do in Consultancy, Training and Research en Facility Management?

Hola, ¿cómo
podemos ayudarte?

Rellena el siguiente formulario y te enviaremos el reglamento interno y código ético:

Hello, ¿how
can we help you?

Participate in the Observatorio FM

You can choose between these 3 options to participate:





How to participate?

Collaborating with the Observatorio FM is a personal and voluntary decision, and there is no contractual obligation or economic retribution for it.

Any interested person can apply to participate as a leader of a new project, or apply as a collaborator in an existing one.

A technical committee will evaluate the subject matter of the proposed projects and the applications of the participants, deciding which ones are carried out and by whom.

Each person decides how much they want to dedicate, depending on their availability or type of project. The aim is for it to be an altruistic activity and not an additional workload.

What does it consist of?

To promote and publish studies that help professionals in the sector and to help others understand our profession and discipline.

The results and deliverables are shared openly, always acknowledging the contributions of all authors and contributors.

The Observatorio FM’s activity will respect the objectivity, ethics, rigour and good practices that govern our Research area.

Contributors have access to the best collaborative tools, sectoral information and contacts, as well as the assistance of expert consultants and researchers at international level.

Research

FM Observatory

FM Observatory is a platform which develops and disseminates Facility Management information. It’s accessible to all those who’d genuinely like to participate. Ethical use and objectivity are essential, and all results must be shared. You decide how long you devote to it and what you want to achieve.

You can participate as:

We will provide:

All contributions will be given credit in completed projects.

Research

Projects

We are part of the European research group and we work in international teams to develop different types of initiatives:

We also work for service providers who require support with decisions linked to:

Research

Standardisation

As accredited experts in the drafting processes of European and International standards on Asset and Facility Management, we are the perfect partner to assist you with:

FMHOUSE is the only Spanish-speaking consulting firm that participates in these processes.

Research

Publications

At FMHOUSE we think that progress made in Facility Management should be shared, so we strive to produce and publish the following material:

The “FM Observatory” is open, should you like to contribute with a publication.

Consultancy

Workplace

Our view of spaces or workplaces from a Facility Management perspective leads to a better understanding of such a need as a service, as it is essential to apply the same logic and methodology.

Generally we offer:

We apply our knowledge and experience to offices, learning spaces, shopping centres and the industrial environment.

Consultancy

Benchmarking

In order to make the right decisions, clear accurate market data as well as facts about the organisation itself is essential. In the Facility Management environment, this is even more critical due to the impact it has on business.

Examples of benchmarks:

These services are requested mainly by end users, but also by service providers.

Consultancy

Customer Experience

Facility Management’s overarching goal is customer satisfaction, whether they are internal or external. Understanding their feelings and needs is the key to offering a good service.

Our support is based on:

We strive to understand and get to know our clients’ customers, in all sectors and types of businesses.

Consultancy

Digital Transformation

The Facility Management world is experiencing a major transition to digital environments. We help our clients understand how it impacts them and assist them throughout the change.

Our areas of support are:

We operate as independent advisers, not as brand vendors.

We advise end-users and service providers.

Consultancy

Service Design

All kinds of companies need to define or improve the way in which it structures supporting activities provided by Facility Management.

Our main products are:

Our proposals are structured according to individual requirements.

We help end customers and also service providers.

In FMHOUSE, we use third party cookies to improve our services. If you continue with navigation, we will consider that you accept our terms of use y nuestra privacy policy y de cookies