OPM Focuses Attention on Promoting Telecommuting

Washington, D.C. — “Telecommuting works” was the news today at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

At an OPM-sponsored seminar on telecommuting held today, Acting Director Steve Cohen told attendees that “Telecommuting provides a win-win solution for the government, managers and employees and the Federal government must lead the way and be a model for the rest of the country.”

As stated in this year’s Transportation Appropriations bill, executive agencies are required to establish policies on telecommuting. Twenty five percent of the total Federal workforce must be covered by such policies by April of this year, with the remaining Federal workforce to be covered over the next three years.

The seminar showcased actual success stories of employees who currently telecommute and the difference it has made in their lives. The participants stressed the increased importance and need for telecommuting programs and the resulting effects it has had on employees’ performance, morale and service.

This event marked the beginning of a stepped-up effort to advocate for telecommuting programs that help agencies and employees manage their work, and help employees balance their work and personal responsibilities. Telecommuting also relieves traffic and parking congestion, reduces air pollution by keeping cars off the road, and conserves fuel energy that helps reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil. In support of the effort, OPM, in close cooperation with the General Services Administration, will continue to assist agencies by providing technical assistance and guidance, and by conducting workshops and special events.

For more information, please contact the Office of Work/Life Programs of the Office of Workforce Relations at OPM, (202) 606-5520 or by email at workandfamily@opm.gov.