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Measuring the Benefits of Federal Telework Programs As traffic and fuel expenses increase in many parts of the United States—placing a burden on workers who commute—many organizations are offering staff the opportunity to work from home (telework). But the benefits of telework go beyond convenience to staff. For instance, financial benefits to organizations include achieving economies of scale in technology investments and saving on facilities costs. These benefits are partly why the US Congress mandated in 2000 that federal government agencies establish policies and mechanisms to allow 100 percent of eligible employees the opportunity to telework. By 2004, almost 140,700 federal employees—20 percent of those eligible—teleworked once a week, and the numbers continue to rise slowly. To better understand the costs and benefits of expanded federal telework programs, the US General Services Administration (GSA) called on Booz Allen. “Few agencies have mature telework programs in place or understand the costs of expansion,” says Associate Dena Papazoglou. “And, because of this, they are missing out on benefits such as enhanced recruitment and retention.” Booz Allen Hamilton—using its expertise in human resources, organizational change, economic and business analysis, and IT—analyzed 20 representative agencies, conducting focus groups and compiling interview and survey responses from more than 8,000 federal employees. The resulting Telework Technology Costs Study showed that a robust telework infrastructure must involve an agencywide approach and top-level commitment. Booz Allen then developed a business case to help agencies justify telework expansion, and recommended IT enhancements and policy improvements. “Costs of network expansion are only a small portion of agency budgets,” says Associate Ray Kent, who led the study and speaks regularly on telework issues. “Gains in productivity and retention will more than compensate for budget outlay.” Successful programs at agencies such as the US Patent & Trademark Office and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration prove that telework is viable—and its benefits are far-reaching. “Telework not only eases commuting issues,” says Ray, “but it also helps agencies maintain operational continuity in crisis situations, and allows staff in different locations to collaborate.” Additionally, says Senior Associate John McGady, “Federal agencies can profit from the capabilities offered by IT infrastructure investments to support both in-office employees and teleworkers, improving performance in both domains.” GSA has published Booz Allen’s study to serve as a framework for agencies to position their teleworking investments, analyze potential return on investment, and chart a path forward. story posted September 21, 2006 Related Links...
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