Telework

What are telework programs?
Common misconceptions about telework
What are the benefits of a telework program?
How ATP helps
How can I encourage employee participation?
Tips for program success
Telework!VA
Metropolitan Washington Telework Centers
Online resources


What are telework programs?

Telework is an innovative business and commuting solution that provides employers flexibility by allowing employees to perform their business duties outside of the traditional office for one to five days per week. On telework days employees work from home, a satellite office, or one of 15 regional telework centers.

Telework is becoming an increasingly popular option for many employees and employers. According to the 2007 "State of the Commute" survey, 19% of the commuters in the region have teleworked or performed their regular office duties from home.  All of these employees reap the rewards of not having to spend two to three hours commuting every day, leaving more time for family and personal activities.

You may already offer teleworking on an informal, case-by-case basis, so formalizing and expanding your program is easy! If you're ready to explore the telework option for your business, help is available. Contact ATP for free information and resources.

An example of a successful teleworking program can be seen in The Marasco Newton Group who started a telework pilot project to help retain quality employees, improve employee morale, and develop a formal telework program. After a year, the results have been positive in all three areas.

"Telework has been good for our business and good for our clients. It also helps us maintain our environmental focus." -The Marasco Newton Group

Based on The Marasco Newton Group's successful teleworking program, ATP has created the Telework Advisory Network to connect Arlington County employers interested in starting or formalizing a telework program with Arlington County employers who have already set-up successful telework programs and are willing to share their expertise and knowledge. The Network is free, and provides information about the benefits of telework, drafting telework agreements, developing internal policies and procedures, telework selection criteria, and basic technical considerations. For more information on the Telework Advisory Network, contact ATP.

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Common misconceptions about telework

Misconception	Reality
All of my employees will want to telework.	Approximately 20% of non-teleworkers want to telework.*
Telework is a full-time arrangement.	Most employees telework one-to-three days per week.*
Teleworkers are out of sight/out of mind.	Teleworkers use today's remote access technology tools to make communication with the main office and clients seamless.
As a manager, how will I know my teleworking employees are working?	Teleworkers communicate tasks and accomplishments to their managers.

*Source: Telework Survey by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

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What are the benefits of a telework program?

Telework is an effective tool for businesses looking for a competitive edge. By improving productivity and cutting overhead costs, telework can help maximize profits, and allow an organization to expand and prosper in the long run. Business benefits include:

• Strengthened employee recruitment and retention
• Reduced absenteeism, sick leave, and late arrivals
• Increased employee productivity
• Increased employee satisfaction
• Reduced costs for office space and parking
• Expanded geographic access to skilled workers
• Enhanced public recognition as an innovative business and as a good corporate citizen
• Reduced traffic congestion and air pollution

Employers benefit, too. They find that teleworking employees put in longer, more productive days and are happier overall with their jobs. If you need proof, take a look at the key findings of the Telework Demonstration Project conducted by the Washington Area Council of Governments. During this recent eighteen-month project, consultants helped establish new telework programs for eight regional employers.

Preliminary project benefits for participating employers include the following:

• Four employers retained fifteen employees, saving an average of $107,000 per site.
• Two employers reduced office space requirements, with annual savings of $30,000 and $1,000,000, respectively.
• Three employers hired 20 new employees, saving approximately $164,000 per site.
• Each participating teleworker saved approximately 97 minutes and 16 vehicle miles each teleworking day.

To receive a copy of the in-depth report (with case studies) of the Telework Demonstration Project contact Commuter Connections. Eight area employers participated in this project, and the report offers a detailed overview of the development, implementation and evaluation of their telework programs. See how telework helped these employers with recruitment, retention and reduction of office space costs.

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How ATP helps:

ATP makes it easy and convenient for you to establish and administer a telework program. Ways in which ATP can help include:

• Providing information on telework programs and answering any questions
• Explaining implementation choices
• Helping you design the best telework program for your needs
• Sponsoring a workshop or seminar to explain telework to managers and staff
• Acting as a liaison to teleworking resources
• Providing case studies

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How can I encourage employee participation?


There are numerous ways you can get the word out and encourage employee participation in a telework program, including:

• Providing financial incentives to your employees by helping them set up a home office or by paying for their work station at a telework center
• Setting up a formal telework policy
• Providing onsite training for managers and employees to help them with issues such as:
  • managing their productivity while teleworking
  • maintaining communications with their manger, co-workers, and clients while teleworking
• Sending out e-mail notifications and reminders
• Displaying posters and flyers in high-traffic areas of your office
• Including information packets with paychecks
• Including an article in your company newsletter
• Providing information on your company's intranet
• Including information in your new hire packets

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Tips for program success:

If you are considering starting a telework program, here are some basic tips to help ensure your program's success:

• Obtain top-level management support;
• Identify an internal champion (telework supporter);
• Form a small work team to plan the program;
• Develop written policies and procedures;
• Start telework as a pilot project (minimum length of six months); then expand;
• Train teleworkers, managers and co-workers;
• Consider technology issues during program planning;
• Evaluate the telework program periodically. Allow for program flexibility based upon evaluation.

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Telework!VA

There is a program that allows companies to receive subsides from the Commonwealth of Virginia to pay for telework programs. Launched by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Telework!VA is designed to increase the number of people teleworking in Northern Virginia and therefore reduce traffic congestion.

This two-year pilot program reimburses participating companies up to $3,500 (up to $35,000 total) for each employee who teleworks at least eight days a month. The money covers the cost to lease equipment such as computers or fax machines needed to equip home offices. In addition, the program covers technical assistance costs, consultants' fees, and usage fees at local telework centers. Telework!VA is offered to companies and non-profit 501(c) organizations in Northern Virginia that have 20 or more employees.

Complete details of the Telework!VA program, including an application form, are available online at www.TeleworkVA.org. If you would like personal assistance in evaluating your company's telework capabilities, please contact ATP.

Funding for the Telework!VA program is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Metropolitan Washington Telework Centers

There are 15 telework centers in the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. For a listing of regional telework centers visit www.wmtc.org. The centers offer a variety of work settings (e.g., cubicles, shared work stations, and private offices), computer and telecommunications equipment and support. Other services such as photocopying, faxing, Internet access, and videoconferencing are also available. The Telework Centers offer a range of competitively priced work options. For more information about specific services and fees, please contact the centers directly.

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Online resources:

Telework Links & Resources

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