FlexWorkSB

FAQ

Q:  What is the FlexWork Santa Barbara program all about?
A:  The FlexWork Santa Barbara program is about reducing traffic congestion and air pollution in the Santa Barbara and surrounding areas.  The FlexWork Santa Barbara program is also about providing your organization with a competitive advantage that has a beneficial impact on your bottom line.

Q:  How much does it cost to participate in FlexWork Santa Barbara?
A:  The FlexWork Santa Barbara program is being funded by Traffic Solutions.  As a result, there is no cost to you.  You will receive free consulting, free training and free assistance in implementing your program.

Q:  Who is eligible to participate in FlexWork Santa Barbara?
A:  Any public or private organization in Santa Barbara County or any of the eight incorporated cities within the county is eligible for the FlexWork Santa Barbara program.  Ten organizations will be selected for the pilot program to be held over the next sixteen months.

Q:  What kind of commitment do we have to make if our organization decides to participate in FlexWork Santa Barbara?
A:  There is no obligation on the part of your organization if you decide to apply and are selected to participate.  While Traffic Solutions is interested in collecting participation data, our objective is to make your flexwork program a competitive advantage and an effective and sustainable way that you do business.

Q:  Do flexworkers have to give up their office space at work?
A:  No. None of the FlexWork options in the FlexWork Santa Barbara pilot program require employees to give up their office space.  Instead, participating in these programs allows employees to work at different times (non-peak hours) or out of their homes or other work sites as infrequently as one day per month.

Q:  Does FlexWork affect how employees are paid?
A:  No. Usually, flexworkers are employees whose pay arrangements do not change simply because they are working different hours or from a different location.  Some companies do choose to provide equipment, training, or other resources to certain kinds of flexworkers, such as teleworkers.  However, this sort of support does not change the employee's pay structure.

Q:  Does FlexWork mean telecommuting?
A:  Not necessarily.  By participating in the FlexWork Santa Barbara program, we can help you implement a wide variety of programs, such as flextime, compressed workweeks, and telework.  These arrangements modify the hours that employees work or the locations where they work to avoid peak commute hours and improve productivity.

Q:  Does FlexWork really have a positive impact on the environment?
A:  Yes! Employees traveling to work during off-peak hours or who travel shorter distances or not at all eliminate over 17 billion pounds of toxins, almost 10 billion gallons of gasoline, and over 5 billion hours of commute time in 2000, (according to the International Telework Association and Council).