Teleworking with Success

Need for Teleworking

• “The president made it clear to me that he doesn’t want snow, nature, or any other cause to be able to stop our government…Since OPM doesn’t control the weather or the plows, telework is the only way to achieve the goal that the president very clearly set.”

John Berry, Director, Office of Personnel Management

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Objectives

• Understanding Telework• What is the telework agreement and what does it mean to you• Key preferences/traits of successful teleworkers • Benefits and common challenges of teleworking• Self-management techniques to maintain your productivity and

motivation• Ways to structure your work requirements and to maintain a good

supervisor/employee relationship• Communication strategies for staying connected

Teleworking and the Agreement

What is Teleworking• Teleworking is an arrangement between the head of each Executive

Agency and an employee which allows flexibility for an employee to perform their duties and responsibilities and any other authorized activities from an approved worksite other than the location from which the employee would otherwise work

What is a Teleworking Agreement• It is a mandatory written agreement between an agency manager and

an employee authorized to telework, that outlines the specific work arrangement that is agreed to.

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Training for Teleworking

• Under the “Telework Enhancement Act of 2010” requires that employees that are going to be eligible to telework receive training first.

• The law requires that:– Training be provided to both employees and their supervisors– That it be interactive not static – That the employee be trained prior to entering into a required

teleworking agreement with the head of their Agency

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Telework Prerequisites• All employees of an agency will be notified if they are eligible for

teleworking• Not all employees are eligible for telework• You may not be eligible :

– If the nature of your work does not allow it– If telework cannot be incorporated into the agency’s continuity of

operations– If telework will diminish an employees performance or an agency’s

performance– Disciplinary reasons– Violation of the telework agreement

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Key Traits/Preferences of Successful Teleworkers

• Flexible• Organized and self-disciplined• Good communicators• Do not need frequent supervision• Recognize problems when they arise and confer with proper parties to

resolve them

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Benefits of Teleworking

• Flexibility• The work product becomes what is important not the place it is

produced.• Green benefits can include shorter or no commuting and thus a

smaller carbon footprint• Better work/life balance• Benefits to the Government

– Less office space may be required– Retention of good employees because geographical location may

not be important– Higher morale– Man made or natural problems become less disruptive

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Common Challenges• Adjusting to working remotely• Self management and motivation• Organization • The new dynamic between supervisor and employee • Measurables• Career visibility and advancement

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Making the Adjustment• Establish a routine • Maintain motivation and productivity by focusing your day• Keep organized• Become technically self-sufficient • Remember that you are teleworking but your cooperating partners

may not be.

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Be Prepared

• Have a plan for child care or elder care• Have what you need to do the work planned• Know what you need in this new work environment • Be consistent• Enjoy the diversity• Explore your strengths and minimize you weakness on your telework

days.

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Employee / Supervisor Relationships

• Make your “Telework Agreement” a living document• Establish and deliver on expectations to build credibility• Communicate effectively and consistently• Be reliable and predictable about your accessibility• Be responsive and dependable• Pitch in and hold your own

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Teleworking and Career Advancement

• Teleworking is not offered to everyone relish the experience• Use the time to polish your skills at working remotely. • Have a colleague keep you in the know• Fulfill your “Teleworking Agreement”• If your position has a career path associated with it that you wish to

pursue discuss it and the experience requirements with your supervisor.

• Consistency and competence are always noticed

Telework Act Resources

• www.telework.gov

• www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-111hr1722enr/pdf/BILLS-111hr1722enr.pdf

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WorkLife4 You Resources

• On the Job Web Service– Workplace Library

• Interactive QuizzesTeam vs. Individual Orientation Test, Communication Skills Test, Procrastination Test

• Audio Tips and PodcastsHow to Shine at Work: Pathways to Productivity

• HTML Articles

• On Demand WebinarsBuilding Better Relationships Through Effective Communication, Networking for the Network Challenged, Managing Work and Life

• WorkLife4You GuidesSuccessful Telecommuting, Managing Work and Life, Communication Skills for Healthy Relationships

• Related Web Sites

WorkLife4You web site www.worklife4you.com

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