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Subjects › Personnel › Telecommuting
Updated 03/2012

Telecommuting

Contents

Introduction

Telecommuting is the practice of working for a government, corporation or business from home using communications devices such as computers, fax machines, networks and modems. Telecommuting has experienced significant growth in recent years and, as telecommunications hardware/software develop and the economy becomes increasingly more digital, it may even increase at a higher rate. Reasons for telecommuting's popularity include: increased production, more flexibility in the workplace, decreased sick leave, decreased turnover, reduced office space needs, increased organizational skills, and less pollution and traffic congestion from people driving to work. Most telecommuters work at home 1-3 days a week, work on specific projects, and many require very little in expenses. Though telecommuting is not for everyone, many businesses and organizations can create telecommuting programs that increase productivity, flexibility, and improve the bottom line.

Telecommuting programs allow employees to work at home (or at a neighborhood telework office) rather than commuting daily to a more distant work site. These programs can result in significant reductions in rush-hour traffic congestion, vehicle emissions and fuel consumption. One study (cited on the EPA website) estimated that $23 billion could be saved in transportation, environmental, and energy costs if there were a 10 to 20 percent increase in telecommuting.

The Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 was signed into law in December 2010. Federal agencies are the primary focus of the legislation, although the act may be an example for local action. The act requires covered agencies to develop a formal telework policy, and teleworkers must be given equal treatment in performance appraisals, work environments, and other areas. Additional information regarding the act is provided in a memorandum issued by the federal Office of Personnel Management.

To read more on this subject, see these Selected MRSC Library Holdings on Telecommuting.

Documents

Washington Sample Policies

For the most part, telecommute policies relate generally to employers and the policies that have been adopted by one government or private entity. The policies that have been adopted by one government or private entity could, in most instances, be adopted by another.

  • Issaquah Telecommuting Policy (Adobe Acrobat Document), effective 03/11/1993 - Sets out eligibility requirements and discusses, among other things, workspace and equipment needs, cost reimbursements, liability and provides an agreement form
  • King County Telecommuting Policy, effective 10/15/2001, updated 04/24/2009 - Sets policies, procedures and responsibilities
  • Kitsap County Telecommuting Policy Resolution No. 075-1998 (Adobe Acrobat Document) (See Appendix K), adopted 04/20/1998 - An excellent, detailed policy, including an agreement form

Out-of-State Sample Policies

Telecommuting for Reduced Traffic Congestion and Pollution Emissions

Additional References

The following sites below contain general information, statistics, and policy guides to telecommuting.

  • Interagency Telework Site, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, General Services Administration - Includes telework manual, government documents and reports, information for telecommute coordinators including sample agreement
  • Telecommuting, Telework, and Alternative Officing - Gil Gordon, president of Gil Gordon Associates, a top national telework expert, provides up-to-date telework resource information, including a monthly on-line newsletter, Telecommuting Review.
  • The Telework Zone, Arizona - Based on a program in Maricopa County that has a goal of 20 percent of employees actively participating in telecommuting. This is an excellent resource. The site includes questions and answers, myths, strategies, and other materials regarding telecommuting.
  • Oregon Department of Energy
    • Case Studies: Successful Telework Programs, 08/01/2007 - Articles discussing how telecommuting has worked for various businesses and government agencies.
    • Telework/Telecommuting, 09/02/2011 - Materials and links to telecommuting in Oregon. Links to step-by-step guide, assessment materials, agreement sample, evaluation materials, telework policy and other materials.
  • Building blocks for all your telework and telecommuting needs, Canadian Telework Association - Detailed page providing information on telecommuting in Canada
  • Claremont Graduate University Telecommute Agreement (Adobe Acrobat Document) - Agreement to be signed by employees who wish to telecommute
  • Telecommuting, Telework and Telelifestyles - Many useful links from the University of Washington faculty
  • Commuter Challenge - A Seattle initiative to provide information, technical assistance, and incentives to employers and employees to help reduce the number of vehicles on our roads, including the use of telecommuting.
  • Telework.gov - A website created by the U.S. Office of Personnel used to answer questions and provide links to information regarding telecommuting.
  • National Travel Demand Management and Telework Clearinghouse, University of Southern Florida - This USDOT-funded project includes information about alternatives to driving alone and telework programs to meet the congestion, air quality, and mobility challenges facing our communities.

Related MRSC Resources