Amidst a host of pandemic challenges over the past 18 months, a significant one for many Utahns has been adapting to a new remote work environment. Although it has been uncharted territory for many employees and organizations as a whole, in talking with businesses and other organizations small and large I’ve learned we have been able to adapt quickly and find innovative ways to telework.
The previous perception that it wasn’t possible to work remotely and be productive has been turned on its head. Employees and their organizations have found new ways to communicate, collaborate and fulfill work responsibilities, proving that working outside of the office and staying productive aren’t mutually exclusive.
And the benefits beyond mere productivity are myriad: reduced commutes, better mental health, increased time with loved ones. And, in my opinion, most importantly, less commute-based pollution.
Advocates have long recognized the potential of teleworking to reduce emissions, so to capitalize on this new way of working, the Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR) seized the opportunity to provide support on best practices for working remotely.
After observing such a variety of ways to telework among our partners and communities, and following the lead of our governor and Legislature, UCAIR compiled the telework resource center for both individuals and organizations, offering ideas and key steps for success, including:
1. Developing a structure and policies for remote work on poor air quality days.
2. Assigning the program to a single owner within an organization.
3. Communicating the program plans to employees.
4. Planning ahead by keeping abreast of the DAQ three-day air quality and action forecast.
5. Communicating upcoming air quality/action days to allow employees to effectively plan for remote work.
It also includes sample telework guides, suggested policies and templates that businesses can tailor to their specific needs. There are guidelines about proper structure, culture and procedures, all of which allow remote workers to successfully telework on poor air quality days.
This past summer we saw the detrimental effects of wildfires and summer ozone, which was actually responsible for the majority of mandatory action days, on our air shed. This is important to note because, unlike California wildfires, ozone is within our control.
As we transition into the winter months, inversion will now be the major contributor to Utah’s air quality. Reducing emissions by teleworking can make a big impact this time of year. And, Utahns are ready. In a survey conducted by UCAIR and its partners last year, 93% of employees said they want to continue teleworking specifically on poor air quality days and 94% of executives said they are likely to continue to allow their employees to telework, specifically during poor air quality days.
Continuing to support and participate in teleworking is a tremendous step forward in improving our air quality. It is our hope that the online telework resource center will provide inspiration for more innovative ways to enhance teleworking and ultimately continue to improve Utah’s air.
Kim Frost
Kim Frost is the executive director of the Utah Clean Air Partnership.
