SLIDE 14

How To Telecommute?

Key to Success:

• Communicate!
• Communicate!
• Communicate!

KEY POINTS

• Whether developing a telecommuting program or entering into an individual arrangement within an existing program, good communications is always the key to success.

• Referring to SLIDE 13 --

• When developing a telecommuting program:

• Determine what all affected parties -- employees, managers, and union -- need and want.

• Gain support from the highest management level.

• Tell everyone what you plan to do, when you plan to do it, and how it will be implemented.

• Referring to SLIDE 14 --

When entering into a telecommuting arrangement (under an established program):

• Clearly delineate expectations of telecommuter (and sign agreement as applicable).
• Review work schedule and assignments. (Remember to tell the schedule to all co-workers and customers.)
• Address needs and logistics. (An agency may install a telephone line at a telecommuting employee's alternative worksite, provide a telephone credit card, and/or computer equipment and software under the condition that these are for official use only. Also, an agency may pay to repair Government-owned equipment at an employee's alternative worksite, but not employee-owned equipment, even if it is used for official business.)
• Mention liability. [The Federal Government is liable for work-related injuries and/or damages at an alternate worksite, just as it is at the regular office, to the extent these are covered under the Military Personnel and Civilian Employees Claims Act, the Federal Tort Claims Act, or the Federal Employees Compensation Act (worker's compensation).]
• Discuss cancellation. (Either the employee or the supervisor may terminate a telecommuting arrangement at any time according to any applicable agency administrative or negotiated procedures.)
• Assess effectiveness. (A telecommuting arrangement should be evaluated on a continuing basis, but it is especially important to monitor the results and determine the effectiveness at the beginning.)

FORMAT SUGGESTIONS

• Determine the needs of the audience -- for example, are they planning or beginning a program, or working within an existing program? (Remove SLIDE 13 if a program already exists and replace it with a discussion of the agency's policy.)
• Review SLIDE 13 (as appropriate) and SLIDE 14 focusing on the importance of good communications.
• After SLIDE 14, review any applicable agency documents for effecting a telecommuting arrangement and/or the following Sample documents found in the Office of Personnel Management's Balancing Work and Family Demands Through Telecommuting:

• Sample Agreement Between Agency and Employee Approval for Telecommuting on a Continuing Basis and
• Sample Self-certification Safety Checklist for Home-based Telecommuters.

• Conclude the program with SLIDE 15, a question and answer period, and review of any applicable resources -- agency specific guidance and/or those mentioned as possible handouts in the Visual Aids and Handouts section.

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Updated June 18, 2001