Implementing Telework: Lessons Learned from Four Federal Agencies

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By

Scott P. Overmyer

Assistant Executive Director – STEM

Southern New Hampshire University s.overmyer@snhu.edu

This report offers practical implementation advice to agency leaders and front-line managers faced with implementing the newly-enacted law expanding telework opportunities to over one million federal workers.

Telework has been touted as being a winning strategy for government.  A study by the Telework Research Network claims potential savings for the federal government of nearly $3.8 billion as a result of reduced real estate costs, electricity savings, reduced absenteeism, and reduced employee turnover.

Dr. Overmeyer describes the technological, social, operational, and management risks that face managers in implementing a telework strategy.  He then shows how four cutting-edge federal agencies have addressed these issues and have successfully implemented a telework initiative.  Understanding the practical challenges, and steps some agencies have already taken in piloting this approach, will be important as government leaders face the six-month implementation timeframe required under the recently signed legislation.

Listen to Dr. Overmeyer’s interview on Federal News Radio.

Implementing Telework Lessons Learned from Four Federal Agencies