The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has passed the Telework Enhancement Act of 2009, that would require all agencies to establish telework policies in consultation with the OPM, designate a telework managing officer, and ensure that telework is part of the agency’s continuity of operations planning.
"With nearly 50 percent of the federal workforce eligible to retire in the next five years, telework is an important tool for agencies to attract new talent, and it is a critical part of continuity of operations plans to ensure the federal government keeps going in the event of an emergency,” said Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, a co-sponsor along with Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio.
"To compete as an employer-of-choice in today’s fast-paced, knowledge-based economy and improve our competitiveness, we need to create an environment that supports those with the desire and commitment to serve," Voinovich said, adding, "Our legislation will help executive agencies better integrate telework into their human capital planning, establishing a level playing field for employees who voluntarily elect to telework, and improving program accountability."
Many of the same provisions are included in telework initiatives recently announced by OPM.
