Workforce

Telework remains a work in progress

The White House reiterated its strong support of flexible workplace arrangements -- which includes telework.

Federal News Network Staff

November 2, 2010 6:00 am

< a min read

Yes, we can — is President Obama’s message about telework and the federal government.

The White House reiterated its strong support of flexible workplace arrangements — which includes telework — to make government more productive, and agencies more attractive to potential employees.

“There are steps we can all take to help – implementing practices like telework, paid leave, and alternative work schedules – and my administration is committed to doing its part to help advance these practices across the country,” Obama said in a statement in late October.

Obama said employees “are more productive” in a flexible workplace environment.

“It’s not just good for business or for our economy – it’s good for our families and our future.”

However, many agencies are still struggling to implement robust telework programs.

“It seems like a no-brainer,” Cindy Auten, general manager of the Telework Exchange, tells Government Computer News. “There is a resistance to change by management at work. That’s where most of the resistance is.”