Local Company's Employees Go 'Virtual' On Fridays

SAN DIEGO -- It's a busy Friday at JHG-Townsend, a public relations agency in Sorrento Mesa.

Dozens of employees are working hard at their desks -- or are they?

"It's packed, packed full of about 35, 36 people. (There is) a lot of buzz, a lot of energy, a lot of lights," said employee Elizabeth Estes-Cooper.

However, the lights are off and no one is in the office. The agency really is busy, just not on Fridays.

That is because everyone is working at home.

"I'm not worried about it. If the work gets done were good to go," said Estes-Cooper.

It's called Virtual Fridays, and JHG-Townsend employees will save a buck or two by rolling out of bed on Fridays and going straight to work.

"Gas prices are crazy. Our employees are feeling the pinch. We can do this. The technology has evolved enough," said Estes-Cooper.

Employee Chris Hassett said, "I'm kind of excited by it. It seems very flexible."

Webcams, instant messages and cell phones keep everyone in constant contact with each other -- just while working at home.

"Sometimes it's the dining room table. Sometimes it's lying on the bed," said Hassett.

Hassett said he might be even more productive here because he's less stressed, and isn't entirely alone.

Employees expect to save about $35 a month by avoiding their cars once a week.

"The thought of staying away from the office one day a week, I think, is fantastic," said Hassett.

It's easy to say when you're wearing Crocs.

Now JHG-Townsend doesn't expect Virtual Fridays to reduce gas prices or save the world.

"But if 10 companies did it, 20 companies did it, 30 companies did it, who knows what can be done?" said Estes-Cooper.

Who knows -- when Fridays are virtually spent at home.

Employees will work from home every Friday through September.

JHG-Townsend is also considering extending Virtual Fridays year-round.