Washington, D.C. -- The Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Kay Coles James, visited a federal Telework center at Bowie State University (Bowie, MD) today to emphasize her commitment to providing employees with a work environment that is business savvy, productive and family-friendly.

President Bush has challenged government to embrace creative E-government solutions.

"Telework is a flexibility that more and more businesses are offering to recruit and retain their best workers," said Director James."In 1999, 19.6 million Americans were teleworkers. The greater Washington region alone saw a 65% increase in the number of teleworkers between 1996 and 1998. Quite frankly, it's a management imperative that we start making better use of telework in the federal government if we are going to be competitive employers in the 21st Century. "

Joining Director James at the event were U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Albert Wynn (D-MD), who represent the region.

While touring the facility, the Director and the congressional members talked with employees who Telework. Director James then conducted official business from an onsite computer terminal.

"Employees who commute to their office over the information highway reduce the congestion on our roads, on our highways, and on our bridges for those of us who are compelled for whatever reason to have to be at our desks," said Director James. "I think managers and employees should work closely to identify opportunities that utilize Telecommuting as a viable means for effectively conducting the government's business."

In addition to Teleworking, the Director held a "tele press conference" with reporters on site in Bowie and reporters joining in via the Internet from OPM's headquarters in Washington, D.C.

OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.

United States Office of Personnel Management

Theodore Roosevelt Building
1900 E Street, NW, Room 5347
Washington, DC 20415-1400

Phone: (202) 606-2402
FAX: (202) 606-2264