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SECTION I: GETTING STARTED

Once the necessary approval or direction has been received within your Agency, and specific positions have been tentatively identified as appropriate for Telecommuting arrangements, the participants (management, unions, and telecommuters) will all have certain responsibilities. What follows is a short summary of steps that management needs to take. The rest of the manual consists of more detailed information on the considerations and actions that are needed for operating or participating in the Telecommuting program.

This manual contains references to laws, regulations, and policies; most of this manual, however, consists of guidance and recommendations which agencies may accept, amend, or reject as they see fit. The guidance and recommendations are based on expert judgement backed up by substantial and documented program experience in telecommuting.

  • Designate a capable person to serve as the agency Telecommuting (or Flexiplace) coordinator and contact. Also, to the extent possible, establish an individual or task force to provide technical information regarding legal, human resources, and technology/telecommunications issues as they relate to your organization.

  • Contact the Federal task force that is coordinating governmentwide application of telecommuting programs and register your coordinator. Your coordinator will be provided with generic materials, guidance, and other information to use in developing an implementation plan and associated policies specific to your agency.

  • Initiate informal discussion with local union representatives, if applicable.

  • If necessary, determine employee interest.

  • Explore the feasibility of the alternate workplace(s) with interested employees and identify equipment needs and costs. Visit the telecenters if applicable.

  • Make an official announcement and commitment to the program and refer inquiries to your coordinator.

  • Train all involved; be sure to explain the program's operation to nonparticipants within affected units.

  • Implement the program.