Key Practices For the Implementation of Successful Telework Programs *

As agency telework coordinators develop, adapt, and expand their telework programs, these seven key practices provide a basic framework for successful outcomes.

• Planning
• Policy
• Performance management
• Managerial support
• Training and publicizing
• Technology
• Evaluation

 

Planning

• Designate a telework coordinator
• Establish a cross-functional project team, including, for example, information technology (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
• Establish a pilot program

 

Policy

• Establish an agencywide telework policy
• Establish eligibility criteria to ensure that teleworkers are selected on an equitable basis using criteria such as suitability of tasks and employee performance
• Establish policies or requirements to facilitate communication among teleworkers, managers, and coworkers
• Develop a telework agreement for use between teleworkers and their managers
• Develop guidelines on workplace health and safety issues to ensure that teleworkers have safe and adequate places to work off-site

 

Performance management

• Ensure that the same performance standards, derived from a modern, effective, credible, and validated performance system, are used to evaluate both teleworkers and nonteleworkers
• Establish guidelines to minimize adverse impact on nonteleworkers before employees begin to work at alternate work sites

 

Managerial support

• Obtain support from top management for a telework program
• Address managerial resistance to telework

 

Training and publicizing

• Train all involved, including, at a minimum, managers and teleworkers
• Inform workforce about the telework program

 

Technology

• Conduct assessment of teleworker and organization technology needs
• 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

 

Evaluation

• Track participation numbers with a reliable system
• Collect data to evaluate the telework program
• Identify problems and/or issues with the telework program and make appropriate adjustments

* Adapted from "GAO-04-950T Human Capital: Key Practices to Increasing Federal Telework"