N.E.W. allowing workers to field calls from home in Great Falls, Montana

Don Lewis’ commute for his job at N.E.W. Customer Services Cos. in Klamath Falls, Ore., doesn’t require gasoline, a bus or even a bicycle.

He simply turns the knob to the guest room of his home to get to work.

Lewis answers calls from N.E.W.’s customers at his home computer in the room that doubles as his office.

N.E.W. piloted a program that lets employees opt to work at home instead of a call center in Oregon last spring. Now the company’s Great Falls workers have the same opportunity.

If all goes well, future applicants maybe able to work for the company from the comfort of their own abodes as well.

"It’s an option that appeals to people who either have transportation issues or live in a remote place or want to be at home with children after school," said Beth McFadden, the company’s vice president of communication center operations. "The price of gas makes it attractive too."

By JO DEE BLACK
Tribune Staff Writer

Full Story: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051003/BUSINESS/510030318/1046/NEWS01