A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Telework is emerging as an important and attractive work option for the Federal Government and its employees. It has the benefit of providing employees with the flexibility to better manage their work and personal responsibilities. For agencies, it provides another flexibility that makes Federal service attractive to prospective employees and a tool to encourage employees to remain in Federal service. Telework also has numerous benefits that complement our transportation systems, conserve resources, and improve the quality of life. It also is a powerful way of assisting those with disabilities to participate fully in the Federal workforce by the means of advanced technology. Telework is essential for volatile situations e.g., during World Bank/IMF mass demonstrations. Telework should be an integral part of any agency's plans for continuity of operations (COOP). Telework allows the Federal government to remain responsive to the Nation at all times.

Managers and supervisors play a key role in the success of telework, identifying eligible positions and employees, setting performance expectations and parameters for telework arrangements, and monitoring productivity. This publication provides guidance to managers and supervisors to assist them with those tasks. In addition to strategies and helpful hints, the guide also includes sample checklists, surveys, safety checklists and telework agreements.

With emerging technologies and the need for employers to be more flexible about where and how people work, telework is one logical and promising solution. Managers and supervisors who aggressively encourage the use of telework for the right employees and the right situations will contribute to the overall performance of the Federal Government.

	Kay Coles James
	Director