Entry bubble Teleworking

By: Ginger | February 06, 2009 | Category: General

Several years ago my husband and I decided to move from the DC area because we had family obligations in Texas.  It was difficult to tell my boss that I was leaving.  Thank goodness I brought along a box of tissue because, as expected, he cried a lot at the news.  Not really, I just like messing with him.  If I mysteriously disappear from the blog next week, you’ll know that he was not amused.

Woman working from homeAlthough the federal government offers its employees many benefits, at the time, telework/telecommuting was relatively new in the government.  Telework was not something my office routinely offered, but happily, my management said yes to teleworking for a 3-month trial period.  It has worked out so well, that here it is 3+ years later and I am still teleworking.  Throughout the government, telework is now becoming more accepted.  Many agencies offer teleworking one day a week to employees.  My situation is a little different in that I am a full-time teleworker from Texas working out of my home for my DC office, but here are some of my observations about telework:

  • For it to work well, the teleworking employee has to be independent and self-motivated.  A good work ethic in the office can translate into a good work ethic anywhere. Unfortunately, the opposite is true.  A person who is continually unreliable in the office will only be more so teleworking.  Management has to be firm about allowing only productive and reliable employees to telework.  Telework isn’t a right; it should be an earned privilege. If a teleworker’s performance declines, teleworking should be revoked for that person.
  • Attracting new employees and better employee retention, increased productivity, and creating a federal workforce capable of continuing to work during a crisis from an alternate location are just a few of the benefits to the government.
  • As someone with health issues, the time I save from not commuting allows me to make healthy meals, get more rest, and make time for exercise.  I also save money on gas, lunch, and my clothing budget.

Interested in teleworking?  Here are some helpful government teleworking resources:

Teleworking has significantly helped my life.  I am healthier and less stressed because of it.  Please share your teleworking comments and experiences.

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