NCJ Number
215023
Journal
Homeland Defense Journal Volume: 4 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2006 Pages: 16-18,20,22
Date Published
June 2006
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the benefits of telework, particularly in terms of continuity of operations for Federal agencies.
Abstract
Despite a 1999 Federal mandate requiring that certain key Federal employees be allowed to telework from a safe location away from their normal Federal work location, the Federal Government has been reluctant to allow employees to work remotely. A study released in March 2006 by a government technology and services provider suggests that the government is beginning to soften on its previous opposition to telework. The benefits of telework, particularly for government agencies, involve the ability of work operations to continue from remote locations in the case of terrorist attacks or natural disasters. It is crucial that government agencies are able to ensure a continuity of work in face of disasters and allowing employees to work from their homes or other secure locations is seen as a main component to providing this continuity of work. Technological advances that made it possible to communicate following Hurricane Katrina are offered as an example of why telework is not only possible, but critical to the security of the country. The remaining hurdle to the proliferation of telework is to engage the support of managers who often balk at the idea of not having direct supervision contact with employees.