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Return to Article: Telework push fueled by Hurricane Katrina

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  I still don't get it. Where is the environmental advantage to having people drive to telecommuting centers, versus driving to the office? Reducing driving by 10-20 miles is not effective. Eliminating driving is effective. The most serious impediment to working from home/home office is security. Who will pay the bill for bullet-proofing the home computer? Who will pay for the tech support (remote or on-site) required to ensure that the home/home office computer is adequately maintained and secured? Fact is, telecommuting presumes a benign techno environment - which does not exist. Telecommuting is a great idea for a galaxy long, long ago.

  GovExec.com reader Posted November 14, 2005 8:57 AM
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  This is a very popular and positive idea for employees in S. Fla. where the average commute is 30 to 50 miles one way !! Of course it will never be allowed in CBP; first because it makes sense and more important; because the "majority" of CBP are uniformed personnel and if they can't have it; no one can. There are hundreds of "support" personnel who could telework and not only save gas, traffic congenstion and pollution, but also tax dollars in the outrageous rent costs. I guess when you work for a Department with so much money they can't even account for it; a few more million here and there is no big thing.

  GovExec.com reader Posted September 13, 2005 7:31 AM
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  I have been begging for telework for months now. I have requested it because of health reasons (and did work it for five years). But, I have been turned down now. I reapplied and am waiting to hear yes/no again. I also live 109 miles from work, so this would help save fuel also. I get more work done when at home than I do at work, so I do not see the objections other than they can not "watch" you 8 hours a day. If you have trusted workers, I do not see the problem with telework. If you can't trust the employee at home, then likely you can't trust them at work either. I just don't see management's problem with telework.

  Kay Warren Posted September 7, 2005 8:04 AM
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  Telework would be very desirable, especially with the high gas prices that are here to stay. Our organization does not encourage it. Occasionally people are permitted to use it for a day here and there. For those so fortunate to have telework opportunities, I would like to hear how you report to your supervisor when telecommuting. Are you required to provide details of your daily activities? Do you do anything different reporting wise other than what you do in the regular brick and mortar office?

  Thank you.

  GovExec.com reader Posted September 7, 2005 6:37 AM
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  Outside the National Capital Region, employees are clamoring to take advantage of telework. The problem is managers and supervisors with a "control management" philosophy rather than a "release management" philosophy: "I can't control you if I can't see you." It rears itself in insidious ways: Lack of funding for equipment for telework, unreasonable requirements that force employees to "clock in" when they begin telework. Lack of flexibility (there's that word again DOD) when schedules have to change. 99% of employees don't need a babysitter, 90% of the managers do it anyway.

  GovExec.com reader Posted September 7, 2005 6:14 AM