Managing a Telework Program
Questions and answers
The Act requires the head of each Executive agency to designate a Telework Managing Officer (TMO) within “the Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer or other comparable office with similar functions.” This placement ideally brings management of telework programs into the circle of top leadership and ensures alignment with strategic decision-making.
Key elements of the TMO’s roles and responsibilities include the following:
- Facilitates agency compliance with the requirements of the Telework Enhancement Act
- Leads the agency in creating a vision of telework as a strategic management tool that supports and aligns with the agency's operational goals and mission
- Gains leadership buy-in and emphasizes the importance of leaders leading by example
- Helps managers and employees understand the purpose of implementing a telework program and the benefits to the organization
- Provides key stakeholders a clear understanding of what the agency is trying to achieve in order to obtain acceptance of and compliance with telework policies and practices
- Works collaboratively with OPM to satisfy mandatory annual data collection and reporting requirements