Key Practices For the Implementation of Successful Telework Programs *

As agencies 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 Managing Officer (TMO)
• Establish a cross-functional project team, including, for example, information technology (IT), labor 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 agency-wide 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, in accordance with the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010
• 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"