Obama to Expand Federal Telework Programs- Telecommuting maintaining momentum
The Federal Government sees the vital role Telework/Telecommuting will play in America’s future for both the public and private sector. Let’s look at the latest steps.
President-Elect Barack-Obama has pledged to expand Telework for federal employees. In a series of October letters written to John Gage, national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, Obama claimed he would, “support efforts to bring paid family leave, flexible work schedules and increased Teleworking to the federal government.” This latest development further supports recent moves by the federal government to increase the amount of Teleworkers and government support for the private sector.
The Energy Independence Act of 2007, signed by President Bush, specifically charged the Small Business Administration with developing a 4 year pilot program that encourages telecommuting for small businesses. Allocating $5 million in funds, the SBA is instructed to conduct presentations on the benefits of telecommuting and reach out to businesses considering telecommuting.
Lastly, The Telework Improvements Act of 2008 passed by the House on June 3, 2008, is a measure that would require agencies to develop Telework programs that let eligible employees Telework at least 20 percent of their working hours every two weeks. Under the legislation, passed June 3, agencies would have to designate a senior-level employee as a Telework managing officer and incorporate Teleworking into their continuity-of-operations planning. In addition, the bill would require the comptroller general, the head of the Government Accountability Office, to submit an annual report to Congress that would evaluate agencies’ progress on their Telework programs.
What does all this mean for government employees and businesses considering Telework/Telecommuting? It means that both the private and public sector are going to see increased support for Remote Work Options. Telecommuting is a cheaper more productive way for organizations to get their work done. Combine that with the Real-Estate savings, increased employee productivity, better ability to attract and retain top talent, better employee work life balances, and of course increased Business Continuity capabilities, and you have the new standard of work for the 21st Century.
Ready to get started?
Brandon Dempsey
SuiteCommute
1-888-878-4832
Brandon@suitecommute.com
