Convergys Corporation, a global leader in relationship management, announced it is expanding its U.S. home agent program to the United Kingdom. Convergys currently has home agents in 29 U.S. states and six Canadian Provinces in North America.

Convergys has begun seeking UK clients to support the home agent rollout and is targeting clients who need UK-based agents or support in multiple languages.

The home agents receive calls ranging from billing and informational service to technical assistance from customers of Convergys clients in a variety of industries. The initiative is a response to the growing need for workers to have more flexible working hours and the option to work from home. Employees can work full time or part time from their homes in urban, suburban, or rural areas, depending on their Internet connectivity. Work-at-home also contributes towards the governments 2010 Carbon Reduction Commitment as such programmes can reduce energy consumption and contribute to a greener environment by avoiding a potentially long commute to work each day.

Brad Krinhop, the vice president of operations for the global home agent program, commented: “...the elimination of a daily commute will allow them (workers) to save money on fuel, auto maintenance, parking, clothing, and meals. The program provides an ideal opportunity for students facing high tuition costs, stay-at-home parents needing a second income to help pay bills, or retirees who wish to augment their retirement savings.”

The hiring process is also remote in its nature. It can be completed from an individual’s home desktop from application through training and employment. Candidates will still require a quiet place to work inside their home, a PC that meets Convergys’ minimum standards, cable or DSL high-speed Internet access, and a noise-cancelling headset.