GSA announces the release of a new publication on the evolution of Telework

GSA #9729

September 12, 2000
Contact: Eleni Martin (202) 501-1231
eleni.martin@gsa.gov

Washington, DC -- GSA announces the release of a new publication, titled "The Evolution of Telework in the Federal Government." This comprehensive document covers the birth and growth of Federal telework that began over a decade ago and may be viewed in its entirety at the following GSA web site: http://policyworks.gov/telework.

The document was written by Dr. Wendell Joice, Ph.D., of GSA's Office of Real Property, who was a co-founder of the Federal telework movement and has continued to be a leader in this effort.

The history of Federal telework (also referred to in the past by such terms as telecommuting and flexiplace) reflects the evolution of one of the most significant and progressive changes in work conditions for Federal employees. The current Administration, as well as several members of Congress, have expressed strong interest in the impact of the modern workforce on family, environment, and general quality of life issues. In addition, there is significant potential for telework arrangements to help alleviate area air quality and traffic congestion problems, which are generally exacerbated in large metropolitan areas.

Telework is best defined as a work arrangement in which an employee regularly works at an alternate worksite such as the employee's home, a telecommuting center (Telecenter), or other alternate worksite. A telecommuting alternate worksite is any facility, in which the employee works, which saves that employee a longer commute (in terms of distance and/or time) to a main worksite.

Highlights of the report include discussions of the following issues:

The first Federal telework programs and why the government initially adopted �Flexiplace';
Congressional and Executive branch pioneers and current champions of Federal telework;
The emergence of Federal telecenters as well as their use in Federal emergencies;
Early and current drivers such as worklife, job performance, environmental, facility cost initiatives, etc.;
Telework as an aid to workers with disabilities and workers in worker's compensation situations;
The OSHA telework controversy; and much more.