Assessment of Telework in a Federal Agency at the Operational Phase

Telework as an optional work arrangement has gained significant popularity over the last few decades in organizations of all kinds. Private businesses and public agencies have found telework to be valuable for increasing work capacity while many employees regard telework as an attractive benefit when it is available. Telework provides greater schedule flexibility for employees, an alternative that maintains productivity during weather emergencies, and provides the opportunity for better work-life balance for employees. This paper describes an assessment of attitudes about telework in a federal agency. The impact of telework on agency mission and employee attitudes about related aspects of telework are assessed. The assessment is conducted through an online questionnaire administered to the entire workforce at one specific federal agency location. Issues addressed include teleworker accountability, teamwork, independent work and telework as an employee benefit. Overall, the results indicate mainly positive attitudes about telework, the agency mission and the work environment throughout the agency.