Telework

Telework (also called telecommuting) is an exciting trend in business management. Telework is the ability to work from home or a satellite office one or more days per week. In the Washington, D.C. area, employees may work from one of 15 telework centers. These full-service facilities provide a professional work environment equipped with multiple work stations, up-to-date equipment and office support. Millions of people are also working from home simply by picking up the phone or turning on their computers--saving themselves and their businesses millions of dollars.

Good for the Bottom Line

• 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

Good for Employees

• Reduced stress due to fewer long, congested commutes
• Improved productivity resulting from fewer interruptions and distractions
• Enhanced time management and opportunity for flexible work schedules
• Improved balance between work and family life, boosting employee satisfaction

Telework!va is a public / private telework partnership for businesses located in northern Virginia. The telework!va program provides financial incentives for businesses to start or expand a formal telework program - up to $35,000 over two years. The program goal is to provide more opportunity for participation in teleworking.

Telework!Va is a pilot program administered by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) through the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG).

Applications for participation and more information are available from Telework!Va, or call 800-745-7433.

Commuter Connections Telework Resource Center

The Commuter Connections Telework Resource Center promotes in-home and center-based telework in the metropolitan region.

The Telework Resource Center was established in 1996 to provide information, assistance and support to businesses that start or expand telework programs. Services include a telework starter kit, video, seminars, case studies and one-on-one assistance to help employers develop a telework program.

For information about the Commuter Connections Telework Resource Center call 800-745-7433.

Metropolitan Washington Telework Centers

Telework 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.

For an up-to-date listing of regional telework centers and contact information visit the Washington Metropolitan Telework Centers site.

Services for Arlington Employers

For information and assistance in setting up a telework program for your employees, contact Arlington Transportation Partners. These experienced business transportation experts will help you provide your employees no-cost or low-cost commuter benefits. Call (703) 247-9299 or email solutions@transpartners.com for more information.

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

Those Amazing Commuters!

This episode: The Elusive Telecommuter. Although abundant, they are seldom seen in traffic. Amazing! More Amazing Commuters.