Guide to Writing a Telework Policy - Telework Toolkit Home ...

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5 1 of 32 olicy des y type er 40 heir tains ples e so cy is ng a the Telework Toolkit y Guide to Writing a Telework Policy Page 2 of 32 Policies usually begin with several opening statements that present the organization s rationale or purpose for offering Telework and define Telework at that organization. The opening statement may also state some basic over arching rules that apply to Telework . In some cases, alternate work arrangements other than Telework , such as flextime, are addressed in the Policy .

6 Often these opening statements are elaborated upon in subsequent Policy clauses. Opening statements may be presented as introductory paragraphs, as individual clauses, as sub clauses, or a list of bullet statements. A. Purpose This is one or two sentences that explain why the organization is offering Telework . In some cases this takes the form of a vision statement. EXAMPLES: The purpose of this Policy is to set forth the organization s philosophy and administrative guidelines for the Telework program.

7 Its intent is to promote Telework as a means of achieving administrative efficiencies, reducing traffic congestion, supporting Continuity of Operations plans, and sustaining the hiring and retention of a highly qualified workforce by enhancing work/life balance. The organization recognizes that Telework is a means to achieve the following: Help achieve commute trip reduction goals. Create an environment for employees to increase productivity and job satisfaction. Assist disabled workers and those returning to work after job injury.

8 Improve the organization s ability to recruit and retain well qualified employees Promote the mission of the organization. Improve environmental quality We envision a business environment that will not confine employees or customers or other entities to a specific physical location. We further envision a significant shift from a traditional physical face-to-face environment to an electronic, virtual, geographic-free environment for conducting business transactions and communication. Using technologies, we will be able to do business from virtually any place on the information highway: from homes, from communities, or from remote locations.

9 The impact of these changes will be: (1) greater customer convenience, (2) improved utilization of resources, and (3) better accommodation of employee needs. Telework is a management tool that provides flexibility in meeting customer needs and organization goals. The purpose of this Policy is to (1) encourage the implementation of Telework plans, (2) establish guidelines to ensure consistency for common issues, and (3) provide the flexibility to address specific needs whenever possible. The use of Telework and technologies depends on business functions and work tasks to be performed.

10 The ultimate goal of using Telework is to enhance the delivery of services to customers. Telework is a strategic tool for promoting the retention and development of employees whose optimal work situations don t correspond to traditional hours or places of business. Telework should not be a reward for strong performance; however, level of performance can be a relevant factor in assessing whether a Telework arrangement is appropriate. When evaluating a Telework request, managers are encouraged to consider the potential business impact of the proposal, performance of the employee, ability of the arrangement to retain and develop the employee, and other factors they deem relevant.