The Federal Telework Program U.S. Office of Personnel Management

Briefing Agenda Telework in the Federal Government Telework in Action at OPM Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 Where Are We With Implementation? Question and Answer

Telework in the Federal Government

Federal Workplace Flexibilities The Federal Government has been a leader in the use of workplace flexibilities, including telework A well-designed workplace flexibility strategy can be a key component to -motivate employees -enhance employee success on the job

Telework as a Workforce Tool Telework can be a useful tool to: -achieve more efficient operations -promote management effectiveness -improve the qualify of employee work/life -increase employment opportunities for persons with disabilities

Telework and Emergency Planning Telework is a key component to ensure the performance of essential Government operations during: -Continuity of Operations (COOP) events Natural disasters and pandemics National security incidents National and local emergencies -emergency events inclement weather other situations that disrupt normal operations

Office of Personnel Management Focus on Telework As the lead agency in Federal telework, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is on the forefront of research with respect to this flexibility Since 2002, OPM has collaborated with Federal executive agencies to track telework participation by means of an annual Call for Telework Data (Data Call)

Office of Personnel Management Focus on Telework (cont’d) A comparison between calendar years 2008 and 2009 shows an increase in Federal telework overall; and especially in terms of the percentage of eligible employees that telework CY 2008CY 2009 Number of teleworkers 102,900113,946 % of employees that telework 5.2%5.72% % of eligible employees that telework 8.67%10.4%

Employee Views on Telework OPM conducts a Governmentwide survey of employee experiences and attitudes known as the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (EVS) Similar to the Data Call, the EVS facilitates research on Federal telework matters and associated trends

Employee Views on Telework (cont’d) EVS data on employee participation in telework were eye-opening

Positive Impact of Telework OPM is driving the conversation on Federal telework forward, building upon the momentum of the analysis of the results of both Data Call and EVS data The EVS data in particular show positive trends related to the impact of telework on critical job outcomes

Positive Impact of Telework (cont’d) Specifically, EVS data showed that: -in 2010, a much larger percentage of teleworkers (76%) reported job satisfaction than those who do not telework due to a barrier (68%) -fewer respondents expressed their intention to leave their organization when given the opportunity to telework (74%) compared to those prevented from teleworking due to a barrier (68%)

Telework in Action at OPM

OPM Internal Research on Telework In October 2010, an organization within OPM underwent a lengthy office renovation project (approx. 3 months) Due to lack of swing space, many employees were asked to telework several times a week Employees were surveyed about their experiences during this timeframe Results were very positive

OPM Internal Survey Results Results revealed that employees were resourceful during a challenging period in large part due to telework When asked “What are the main benefits of telework?,” employee top responses were: -lack of a commute (45%) -fewer distractions (34%) -increased productivity (25%)

OPM Internal Survey Results (cont’d) When asked “What impact did telework have on your ability to deliver customer service?,” employee top responses were: -no negative impact on customer service (38%) -increased productivity/increased ability to focus due to fewer distractions (27%)

OPM Internal Survey Results (cont’d) Employees were also asked if they experienced any change in their perspective on telework following the office renovation: -50% replied their perspective is now more positive and wish to telework more frequently -34% experienced no real change since their view of telework was already positive

Future of Federal Telework Findings from the Data Call, EVS and internal OPM survey suggest several possible leverage points: -EVS data indicate relatively low rates of telework participation among managers and executives; must consider what message is being relayed to employees -Agencies need to set telework goals and identify key success indicators that are aligned with agency mission, objectives, and culture

Telework Enhancement Act of 2010

What is the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 (the Act)? Public Law , signed by President Barack Obama on December 9, 2010 Provides a framework for Federal agencies to maximize the use of telework The law will: -help agencies recruit/retain top workers -improve the ability of the Federal Government to maintain productivity during emergency situations -enhance Federal employee work/life

Key Provisions Requires each Federal agency to establish a policy under which eligible employees can telework Directs agencies to designate a Telework Managing Officer (TMO) Requires employees and managers to complete interactive telework training and sign written telework agreements Outlines responsibilities for guidance, reporting and monitoring of telework

Federal Agency Responsibilities Each agency must designate a TMO who is: -responsible for policy development and implementation related to telework programs -an advisor to agency leadership -a resource for managers and employees -the primary agency point of contact with OPM on telework matters

Federal Agency Responsibilities (cont’d) Each agency must incorporate telework into their Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan Agencies will work in coordination and consultation with OPM to satisfy mandatory annual data collection and reporting requirements

OPM Responsibilities OPM will coordinate agency efforts to build effective telework programs OPM is focusing on three main areas that are specifically addressed by the law: -telework policy and policy guidance -interactive telework training -measurement and reporting

OPM Responsibilities (cont’d) Provide consultation to Federal agencies in developing telework policies Coordinate mandatory data collection with agencies and report annually to the Congress on the progress of Federal telework across the Government Maintain a central telework website that includes specific information and guidance as described in the Act

Where Are We With Implementation? Agencies: -have designated their respective TMO -are taking steps to implement the parts of the law due no later than 180 days from enactment (June 7, 2011) -are consulting with OPM to develop their telework policies; engage in data collection on telework including participation rates; and identify agency goals for telework participation

Where Are We With Implementation? (cont’d) OPM is assisting agencies by: -developing and distributing detailed guidance via and scheduled forumswww.telework.gov -working with a vendor to enhance the interactive telework training program on -leading an interagency group of telework experts to plan and coordinate telework program measurement and reporting

Question and Answer

Contact Us Marie L’Etoile Manager Work/Life/Wellness (202) Thank You For Your Participation