Telework in the Federal Government: Background, Policy, and Oversight (CRS Report for Congress)
Premium Purchase PDF for $24.95 (50 pages)
add to cart or
subscribe for unlimited access
Pro Premium subscribers have free access to our full library of CRS reports.
Subscribe today, or
request a demo to learn more.
| Release Date |
April 3, 2002 |
| Report Number |
RL30863 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Lorraine H. Tong and Barbara L. Schwemle, Government and Finance Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Advances in information and computer technology; the development of the Internet; and the
explosion of wireless and digital products, including powerful laptops, hand-held electronic devices,
and remote work-access capabilities, have given some federal employees the ability to telework --
work anytime from almost anyplace. Telework emerged as an option for the federal workforce over
the last decade. Management considerations, such as productive and satisfied workers; environmental
considerations, such as reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality; and quality of life
considerations, such as accommodating the short- or long-term health problems or family
responsibilities of employees, have been offered as justification for telework programs. Some believe
that the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the
discovery of anthrax in Washington, DC, and other cities have fundamentally changed the workplace
and demonstrated the practical application of telework to the continued operation of the government.
Issues of security, crisis management, disaster recovery, and remote access to office computer
systems are prompting some federal executive and legislative branch agencies and their employees
to expand existing telework programs or to consider telework, although in many cases, how to
implement telework remains unclear.
Reservations about telework include managerial concerns about maintaining performance and
productivity in the office or organization with fewer workers at the central site; the security of
government records and the use of software licensed to the government on computers at the
alternative work sites; and the availability of funding to provide necessary support for employees to
work away from the main office. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) reported in January
2002 that 74,487 federal employees telecommute. It is not known how many legislative branch staff
telework. According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the judicial branch does not
currently have any teleworkers. Policies on telework are evolving. General policies and guidance
on telework programs in the executive branch have been established by the General Services
Administration and OPM. Although there are no corresponding entities in the legislative branch, a
comparison of the policies and guidance for existing telework programs in this branch indicate that
they are quite similar to those in the executive branch. Among the factors that reportedly contribute
to successful telework experiences are top management support, a clear telework agreement that
includes expectations and measurable goals, and accountability and performance results.
Congress may remain interested in the issue of federal telework. Section 359 of P.L. 106-346
directs executive agencies to establish policies under which eligible employees could telecommute.
The House Subcommittee on Technology and Procurement Policy conducted hearings in March and
September 2001 on telework. This report discusses telework in the federal government, including
background, views on telework, policy, implementation within the executive and legislative branches,
and future considerations.
