Telework Exchange - A Public - Private Partnership Focused On Eliminating Telework Gridlock
Legislation
- Public Law 106-346, Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001
On October 23, 2000, H.R.4475 became Public Law 106-346. The law requires that all executive agencies establish telework policies.
legislation - Public Law 111-292, Telework Enhancement Act of 2010
President Obama signed into law the Telework Enhancement Act in December 2010. The law requires each executive agency to establish a policy under which employees may be authorized to telework to the maximum extent possible without diminishing employee performance or agency operations. In addition, agencies are required to designate a Telework Managing Officer and incorporate telework in continuity of operations planning. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will provide oversight and management support to Federal agencies.
"This legislation will require agencies to implement formal telework policies across the Federal government," said Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD). "A robust telework program not only will improve government operations during a disaster, it also can be used as a tool to reduce traffic congestion in the D.C. area. Telework has a positive impact on productivity, quality of life, and the environment. If fully integrated, it can save taxpayers money by increasing efficiency, reducing Federal office space, and improving employee retention."
After nearly two years, the bill has successfully completed the legislative process. Congressman Sarbanes introduced the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 (H.R. 1722) in the House of Representatives in March 2009. Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) spearheaded Senate efforts to enhance Federal telework with the introduction of companion legislation, also in March of 2009.
"This is the culmination of tireless efforts by countless lawmakers, staffers, and advocates who believe enhancing Federal telework will make the government more efficient, more attractive to aspiring public servants, and more secure in the event of a natural disaster," said Cindy Auten, General Manager, Telework Exchange.
With the President's signature, Federal agencies have 180 days to establish a telework policy, determine which employees are eligible to telework, and inform employees of their eligibility status. In addition, agencies will have to develop interactive training programs for teleworkers and telework managers, include telework in continuity of operations plans, and designate a Telework Managing Officer. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management is tasked with administering the new law and developing annual Federal telework progress reports for Congress.
"The snowstorm last winter, which closed the Federal Government for several days, is a good example of how teleworking programs can achieve cost savings," said Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) during his floor speech. "We saw during that time that 30 percent of our Federal workers actually teleworked during that snowstorm, achieving $30 million daily in reduced costs."
Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA), a longtime proponent of enhanced Federal telework, concurred with his colleagues’ assessment.
"This bill saves money," said Congressman Wolf. "This bill reduces the footprint of the government. This bill is deficit neutral and strengthens the continuation of operations plans in the event of a disaster."
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA), an original sponsor of the legislation, joined his colleagues in lauding the bill’s potential.
“There is no workforce on the planet that lends itself better to telework, yet the Federal government lags behind the private sector and local governments in implementing this common sense program,” said Congressman Connolly. “This legislation will change that and prepare the Federal government for the future.”
legislation
