South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

• What is it?
• What are the benefits?
• How Do I Get Started?

Establish a written policy, including a signed agreement between employer and employee clearly outlining the rules, guidelines and requirements for participation. Coordinate AWS and flexible work schedules with co-workers to ensure adequate department and office coverage.

Encourage participation through e-mail notification and newsletters. Educate employers and employees on the health and environmental benefits of AWS.

DHEC Resources for Alternate Work Schedules

Sample AWS Policy

Formal agreement outlining specifics (start/termination of telecommuting options, salary and job responsibilities, benefits, work hours, costs, etc.).

Alternative Work Schedule Guidelines

Conditions for AWS agreed upon by the employee and his/her supervisor.

AWS Implementation

Steps to take when establishing an alternative work schedule

AWS Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions regarding alternative work schedules

Sample AWS Selection Survey

This survey can help in your consideration of whether AWS will be an effective tool for meeting organizational and personal objectives.

Take a Break from the Exhaust (TABFTE) is a computer program that tracks voluntary actions employees take to reduce air pollution. Employees are awarded points for reducing the amount of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) during the work week by carpooling, staying in the office for lunch, telecommuting, and using mass transit. TABFTE also provides ground-level ozone forecasts April 1^st – September 30^th. Contact us for more information on TABFTE.

Additional Resources for Alternate Work Schedules

• Commuter Services of South Central Pennsylvania has some good information on the basics of telecommuting and flexible scheduling.
• GreenYour.com Search for anything you want to green and find eco-friendly facts, tips, and products.
• Handbook on Alternative Work Schedules (U.S. Office of Personnel Management) provides a framework in establishing and administering alternative work schedules and similar programs.
• Michigan State University has set up some useful guidelines for setting up flexible scheduling at the workplace.

For more information please contact the Bureau of Air Quality at (803) 898-4123 or by email.