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. The number of teleworkers in the Washington Metropolitan area increased 65% between 1996 and 1998. There are currently 16 million teleworkers nationwide and 250,000 in the Washington, D.C. region. 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

• 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.

• 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

• 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

• 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.

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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