ID+ DESIS Lab 2015/2016
STUDY CASE TIME MANAGEMENT
by Andrea Taverna
founder & partner
context
TimeRepublik was founded in 2012 by Gabriele Donati and Karim Varini who dreamt of creating a place where people could freely exchange their talents and skills using time and not money as currency. Currently operating out of New York, Italy, Switzerland, Brazil, Spain, France, Germany, Denmark, Russia, and The Netherlands. TimeRepublik is a peer-to-peer platform with over 100,000 talents shared in more than 110 countries around the world. The company white labels the platform and licenses it to large corporations, municipalities, universities and nonprofits who wish to improve collaboration, engagement and their Corporate Social Responsibility profile.
project TIMEREPUBLIK is a peer-to-peer marketplace where people can freely offer their skills to other members of the community in exchange of units of time, an alternative to money. The provider of the service gets credited with the number of hours it took her/him to perform that service. Those hours can then be used to “purchase“ any other service from any other user at a later time. The visibility and recognition of users can be boosted by positive ratings (based on quality of communication, punctuality and quality of service) and awards obtained once predetermined activity goals are achieved. “TIMEREPUBLIK increases the Reputational Asset of people Generating TRUST, the currency of a new economy (Sharing Economy). Enabling COOPERATION from others (also strangers). Creating CONNECTIONS A people-based market. Activating cooperative attitude SOCIAL WELFARE”
project 1. REQUEST THE SERVICE YOU NEED 2. FILTER THE RESPONSES YOU RECEIVE
Users who offer their expertise will gain virtual time-credits that can be spent on any other service they might need. Furthermore, the rating received - at the end of the transaction - will help users to increase their reputation and thus increase their visibility.
3. CONTACT YOUR FAVORITE 4. AGREE UPON METHODS AND EXECUTION TIME 5. GET SERVICE 6. CREDIT TIME AND RATE THE SERVICE
“It can be helpful… Whenever you need a service performed by someone with passion and competence. Whenever you feel sharing your talents through an equitable exchange that generates three level of recognition: 1. Time 2. Experience 3. Feedback Whenever you want to generate authentic relations through sharing. Whenever you feel like investing your time to build your reputational capital.”
user stories
Cherish Cullison Wardrobe Stylist, New York City “Right now, I can’t think of another place where I would be able to do what I love, for a living and for fun!” Cherish has been thrilled with her TimeRepublik experience, and has done multiple jobs for people utilizing her vast set of skills. Last month, she did a styling session via Skype for a Burmese monk who had recently left the monastery and needed a look that fit the person she wanted to be in the outside world. A little closer to home, Cherish also gave knitting lessons to a fellow New Yorker, who has now gone on to start her own Etsy shop. Cherish used her banked time to hire a graphic designer to create a professional logo for her own online shop for her vintage and customized clothing business.
Hal Ludacer Interior Designer, Long Island Hal uses TimeRepublik to do editing work for European writers. So far, he’s mostly banked his hours – but recently, he splurged and bought his mother a psychic reading for her 80th birthday. Other than that, Hal says he’s saving up time for a week’s stay with an inn-keeper in Rome. But it’s not all fun and leisure: Hal also plans to use TimeRepublik to start an antiquedealing website, and will hire a graphic artist and web designer from the TimeRepublik community. Those banked hours are turning out to be a great investment! Hal says he loves how TimeRepublik lets him contribute to his community. In his words: “It feels good to help people.”
user stories
Kate Nicholson Communication Specialist, New York City “You might wonder why I didn't just google answers to my questions-- I did, but ended up going round in circles, finding myself with only more questions.” Over the summer, Kate was having trouble with her plants. After asking for indoor gardening help on TimeRepublik, she got three responses within a day from greenthumbers in Brazil, Switzerland, and Italy. Each gardener was able to look at Kate’s setup and routine, and offer her advice specifically for her plants and environment. (Note to self: Strawberries cannot be grown indoors!) “Using TimeRepublik, I simply posted a request and went about my day. When I came back, I had answers and also had friendly exchanges with people around the world!” Kate also is a regular bicycle commuter who puts in a lot of miles. When it’s time to tune her bike, Kate’s only options are to pay a New York shop $70 to do it every few weeks or look for tutorials on YouTube. But what about on TimeRepublik? After posting about her bike, Kate got in touch with a cyclist from Zurich who had a brilliant idea: He asked her to send photos of her bike to see each specific part, then he created a custom how-to guide for her to do her own tune-ups. Not only did this save Kate time and money, but also introduced her to a cool new hobby – DIY projects.
user stories
Funda Belendir Chef + Stylist, New York City “A Brazilian programmer helped me out with my website since I don't know anything about programming. And I will help her with her English and some translations in return.” Funda can create masterpieces in your wardrobe or in the kitchen. In fact, she routinely uses her chef skills to earn hours on TimeRepublik. As a self-employed costume stylist, Funda wanted to put up a website showcasing her work. But since she didn’t know how to write code, she used TimeRepublik to connect with a web designer in Brazil to create her site. Along with a snappy new web site to attract new clients, Funda also got another gig from TimeRepubik – being an English tutor to her Brazilian web designer!
Anna Luiza Braga Pet-Sitter + Graphic Designer, New York City Anna has been using TimeRepublik for a few months now, and has earned most of her banked time by giving pet advice or sending artwork via email. Recently, Anna was looking to get in shape. After posting on TimeRepublik, she linked up with a wellness coach who gave her effective nutrition and workout tips to meet her fitness goals. Anna says TimeRepublik didn’t just help her get the advice she wanted, but also greater lifestyle tips to lead her on a path to better health and wellness. “It wasn’t what I’d asked for – it was what I actually needed! We have been Skyping, and she is helping me set goals for my weight loss and find ways to turn the actions I’m taking now into better lifestyle changes.”
partner
context Timebanking is a means of exchange used to organise people and organisations around a purpose, where time is the principal currency. For every hour participants ‘deposit’ in a timebank, perhaps by giving practical help and support to others, they are able to ‘withdraw’ equivalent support in time when they themselves are in need. In each case the participant decides what they can offer. Everyone’s time is equal, so one hour of my time is equal to one hour of your time, irrespective of whatever we choose to exchange. Because timebanks are just systems of exchange, they can be used in an almost endless variety of settings. Traditionally these settings have been divided into three categories: Person to person These might be ‘standalone’ timebanks, perhaps in a local community, where residents might organise social action using the principles of an hour for an hour. This might typically see a timebank member earning a time credit by doing the shopping for an elderly member of the timebank, and then spending that time credit on getting somebody else to provide baby-sitting support at a time when they are busy.
Person to agency This model might see organisations using timebanking as a tool for achieving their own outcomes and goals. In this instance, the timebank might be interwoven into the fabric of the organisation, so that their own activities can be organised through a system of time exchange. For example, a hospital might wish to provide a home-care service for patients who have left the acute care setting but are still in need of support –perhaps somebody with a broken leg for example. The hospital would then organise the informal support needed, such as help with cooking meals, doing shopping or running basic errands, using a timebank to incentivise the giving of help rather than paying professionals in the traditional manner.
Agency to agency Timebanks can also work between organisations, as a system for trading assets and resources. Organisations, such as local businesses or public sector agencies, might place access to some of their resources into the timebank. This might be the use of a minibus or sports hall, or particular skills that they have such as graphic design or legal advice. Organisations in the timebank can then share, trade and exchange resources based on the hour for an hour principle.
project The co-production principle asserts that there is more capacity in an economic system than that simply defined by the market. For example, the market assigns a high value, through price, to resources that are scarce, and a low value to things that are commonly or universally available. That means the market doesn’t adequately value certain activities until they become truly scarce: caring, learning, imparting values, sharing, socialising, raising children, being a good neighbour, helping others —all contributions that can be made by every human being. Co-production is about elevating the status of this second, informal, economy, so that we utilise these abundant assets more effectively. If we consider a public service example, by operating in the traditional manner interventions often fail to value the contribution that can be made by the individual who is in need themselves. The bulk of money goes on developing a specialised solution, not in recognising the value and the abundant assets that lie in the source of the problem itself —the individual. Public services do not often utilise those assets effectively. As a public service system, the assets that exist — in the mental health patient, in the aging population, in the ‘problem family’ —are not being made the most of. By taking a co-production approach we are saying that by mobilising the hidden people power and resource that exists in all of us, we can send a different signal: ‘People can.’ Timebanking is a means of exchange build for abundance – for the assets that lie dormant in people and organisations. By bringing these assets to life, and allowing people equitable access to them, we no longer need to talk about a resource crisis. We can say that People Can!
involvement There are several ways in which you can get involved with Timebanking UK and our work. 1) Become a member 2) Consultancy 3) Training 4) Join timebank 5) Join the mailing list It exists different membership option - Bronze level - Silver level - Gold level - Gold level PLUS+ - Platinium level Those have different joining fee and different benefit. Furthermore it exist the opportunity of an International membership for who live outside UK.
showcase People in Salford are being encouraged to share skills and make time for each other following the launch of an innovative new scheme part funded by the team behind the £650 million regeneration of Pendleton. The Salford Time Bank involves local people and community groups coming together to lend each other a helping hand. No money changes hands: the only cost is people’s time. Time Banking strengthens communities by drawing people together and by developing mutual friendships and support. The Time Bank enables its members to exchange their variety of skills and abilities that can be put to good use in Pendleton. The members can “clock in” to help out a neighbour, improve community spaces, or even develop a new local enterprise. Co-ordinated by Unlimited Potential, a Salford-based social enterprise, the Salford Time Bank is funded by Salford Clinical Commissioning Group and Newground Together – a member of the Together Housing Group.
showcase
The Time Bank was launched by Hazel Blears, the Labour MP for Salford and Eccles, recently, who joined local Time Bankers and partners in the scheme. Ms Blears said: “Many people do not appreciate how much difference an hour of their time could make in their local community. “Time Banking is a fantastic way of enabling residents to share their different talents and skills – and sometimes a friendly ear is all it takes to brighten a neighbour’s day. “So many things revolve around money these days, but this system of mutual help and support costs nothing. I hope people in Pendleton and Langworthy will get involved.”
- See more at: http://www.timebanking.org/
supporters
Additional Supporters: Ackerman Institute For The Family Adventure Travel Trade Association, WA AFL-CIO Australian Shorter Work Week Network, Australia Barnes Family Fund Of Tides Foundation Beringer Founder’s Estate – Living 5 to 9 Bioneers Boston-Area Shorter Work-time Network, MA Center For A New American Dream
Duluth Central Labor Body Earth Ministry, WA Experience Life Magazine Feet First (Puget Sound Pedestrian Advocacy), WA Free Time, Free People, PA Human Agenda Massachusetts Council of Churches Mid Rivers Ethical Society, MO Missouri Association for Social Welfare, MO National Council on Family Relations, MN New Road Map Foundation
Noble and Lorraine Hancock Family Fund Panera Bread Company The Population Coalition Putting Family First, MN Simple Living America/Postconsumers.com Sher Family Fund At The Seattle Foundation Small Planet Institute Town Creek Foundation Unitarian Universalist Association, Washington Office Wellness Tourism Worldwide, CA Work to Live, CA
mission Take Back Your Time seeks to challenge the epidemic of overwork, over-scheduling and time famine in the United States and Canada that threatens our health, our relationships, our communities, and our environment. We seek a renewed understanding of the value of leisure time and the costs of time stress in our lives and workplaces. How we use our time, and measure the quality of our lives, affects people across class, gender, race, and ideological lines. What brings our diverse group together is a belief that we can shape customs, values and policies in the workplace and in our family lives that improve our quality of life and influence better outcomes for all of us. Together we can explore ideas and create plans for action while inspiring others.
goals We’re committed to the establishment of policy changes that can help achieve a shift to a less harried, more time-affluent life. While we have global support and connections as an organization, we are primarily focused on making changes in the United States and Canada. We have developed some broad policy ideas — all taken for granted in many other countries — that speak to the dire need for time poverty relief. They are not intended as political bills. Rather, we encourage legislators to take these ideas and design specific legislation around them. These are ideas for action, a comprehensive program to win more free time for Americans. Our Time to Care policy agenda includes: -Guaranteeing paid leave for all parents for the birth or adoption of a child. Today, only 40% of Americans are able to take advantage of the 12 weeks of unpaid leave provided by the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Canada offers parents the opportunity to share one year of paid family leave at 55 percent of salary. -Guaranteeing at least one week of paid sick leave for all workers. Many Americans work while sick, lowering productivity and
goals endangering others. Only Connecticut and selected U.S. cities now guarantee this. -Guaranteeing paid annual vacation leave for all workers. Studies show that 28% of all female employees and 37% of women earning less than $40,000 a year receive no paid vacation at all. -Limiting the amount of compulsory overtime work that an employer can impose, our goal being to give employees the right to accept or refuse overtime work. Europe limits the required work week to 48 hours, and several countries prohibit compulsory overtime work. -Making Election Day a holiday, understanding that Americans need time for civic and political participation. -Making it easier for Americans to choose part-time work by promoting hourly wage parity and protection of promotions and pro-rated benefits for part-time workers.
reasons
10 Reasons Why Vacations Matter Vacations are not a luxury; they are a necessity for a well-balanced, healthy life – as important as eating well and getting exercise. Here are 10 reasons to make them a priority in your life! Vacations Relieve Stress Stress is a true physiological response originally meant to help us and keep us safe. It releases hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine for the fight or flight response that was necessary for early man. However, in modern society, chronic stress can be destructive to our bodies. Getting away for regular vacations and leaving our every day stresses give us a break from the constant high levels of these hormones and a chance to repair some of the damage.
Vacations Help Prevent Heart Disease Stress is one of the major contributors to heart disease and high blood pressure. Long-term studies in both men and women have shown that vacations can reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attack. Men who vacationed regularly were more than 32% less likely to die from a heart attack. For women who vacation regularly, that figure jumps to 50% less likely to die from a heart attack. (2010 Framingham Heart Study)
Vacations Help Maintain Focus Studies find chronic stress can affect the part of the brain that inhibits goal-directed activities and causes problems with memory. Continuous work with no breaks or vacations can make people feel blocked and distracted, and have problems concentrating. Surveys show almost three-quarters of people who vacation regularly feel energized and more ready to tackle the tasks at hand.
Vacations Help Prevent Illness There is a whole field of research called psychoneuroimmunology that finds stress and its adrenal dysfunction can alter your immune system and make you susceptible to numerous illnesses. It can increase your chance of getting infections like colds and the flu, as well as more serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. Some researchers even believe that long-term stress may partially contribute to cancer. A recent survey found that people who take regular vacations report being and feeling healthier.
Vacations Improve Your Sex Life There really is such a thing as “vacation sex!” Studies have shown that high cortisol levels associated with stress create a negative feedback loop in the brain and lower levels of sex hormones like testosterone, contributing to loss of libido. Surveys indicate people who vacation regularly reported feeling sexier, with greater romance in their relationships – which equates to better sex!
Vacations Make You Happier Neuroscientists have found that brain structure can actually be altered by chronic exposure to stress hormones contributing to depression and anxiety. Research shows that women who do not take regular vacations were three times more likely to be depressed and anxious. This corroborates a survey that found people who take regular vacations reported feeling extremely happy with an overall feeling of well-being compared to those who did not vacation. And many reported these effects lasting beyond their actual vacation.
Vacations Strengthen Relationships Vacationing with your family or loved ones help forge closer bonds. Studies have found women who take vacations with spouses report feeling more satisfied with their marriages. Research has also uncovered a correlation between children’s academic achievement and summer family vacations. These shared experiences promote family bonding, which is priceless. Family vacations create more memories than any other activity. In fact, other studies have found people place a higher value on the shared experiences they have on vacations than the material goods they have acquired during their lifetime.
Vacations Make You More Productive At Work Contrary to what it may seem, studies show that more vacation time for workers actually increases company productivity, and has been found to decrease the number of sick days taken off. Liberal vacation policies create improved quality of life for employees, which translates into increased work quality. Workers also report feeling more creative after taking time off, and more than 70% of them reported feeling more satisfied with their jobs when they took regular vacations.
Vacations Improve Your Sleep Quality Studies have shown that people who take vacations and travel regularly reported an almost 20% improvement in their sleep. While on vacation, they averaged an hour more of quality sleep, which even carried over to when they returned home.
Vacations Help You Get Thinner A majority of overweight individuals admit to mindless eating as a response to stress. Stress hormones such as cortisol are linked to increased belly fat and weight gain, which is linked to heart disease. Studies have shown that even when indulging a little more on vacation, people whoregularly vacation feel more energized and are often more active on vacation. They were also found to have improved glucose levels and even had some weight loss around their waists. And last, but not least, taking vacations can keep you young! Chronic stress is believed to accelerate biologic aging and the aging process. Why not do yourself a big favor? Make yourself a priority and take some time off. Medically speaking, taking regular vacations is one of the most rewarding prescriptions I can recommend for staying healthy!
Stay happy, stay healthy and Stay Vacationed.
reasons
Andrea Taverna 79285 Design for Social Innovation - Universidade de Aveiro 2015/2016 Prof. Teresa Franqueira, Gonรงalo Gomes & Alastair Fuad-Luke