The Government Accountability Office has released a list
of key telework practices following the results of a
federal telework survey conducted by the Office of
Personnel Management showing the percentage of federal
employees among those eligible for telework that actually
do has leveled off at about 14 percent.
GAO, along with OPM and the General Services Administration
are trying to popularize the use of the program and educate
agency management to overcome organizational, and managerial
resistance.
A partial list of recommended practices includes: develop
guidelines about whether the organization or employee will
provide necessary technology, equipment, and supplies for
telework; provide technical support for teleworkers;
address access and security issues related to telework;
establish standards for equipment in the telework
environment; establish processes, procedures, and/or a
tracking system to collect data to evaluate the telework
program; designate a telework coordinator; establish a
cross-functional project team, including, for example,
IT, union representatives, and other stakeholders;
establish measurable telework program goals; develop an
implementation plan for the telework program; develop a
business case for implementing a telework program; provide
funding to meet the needs of the telework program; and,
establish a pilot program.
