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Return to Article: Agencies survive telework scrutiny, but pressure to step up efforts rising

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  ALL of our employees are not in uniforms or carry guns and must be at an airport or seaport or a "Customshouse". Many are in support roles and could easily perform our work at home or in telework centers. However, DHS is simply filled to the brim with insecure, incompetent, egotistical control freaks. As one writer so aptly pointed out; no one is rewarded for preventing problems; only for fixing them. The control freaks live to create the problems then manage by crisis. One thing I've learned in 27 years of "servitude"; if it makes sense it ain't happening in the Government!!

  Old Grunt Posted September 22, 2005 7:51 AM
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  you have allowed the concentration of about 25,000 people at the pentagon (some are in Crystal City and Rosslyn but Rummy will move them further away). Based on my knowledge of the work performed in many units I deal with, my best guess is that 80% of the people could spend two days a week telecommuting. However, the military looks on this as a hinderence because they cannot even handle flex time. Everyone has to be available all the time because someone (usually Congress) might ask a question that only one person can answer and theat person needs to be at work regardless of what they do. also, the management cannot measure output so they use the substitue of hours in the office as output. Ask those at the pentagon and they will tell you that there is a premium on coming in early and leaving late - not on what you produce.

  Finally, performance is measured in terms of solving problems, not preventing them! Therefore, you need to be here to get the problems started so you can solve them. You are not performing and are deemed unnecessary if no problems happen in your area of work. for example, the outstanding computer guys are those that can solve problems quickly. The performers should be the guys that stop the problems before they happen but not at the pentagon!

  taxpayer Posted September 21, 2005 8:36 AM
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  I have seen so many negative perceptions about telecommuting, I felt I had to write. I take total exception to telecommuters (in a previous mailbag letter) being referred to as "unnecessary to the operation, bottom feeders in ability, and vulnerable for contracting out." This letter from a DOD employee reinforces stereotypes as well as illustrates that as long as Federal agencies continue to embrace military-style, top-down management, the situation will never improve. Kudos to Rep. Wolfe for insisting that alternatives to traditional management and work environments be explored!

  I am a person with a respiratory disability with over 65 awards and commendations for outstanding work performance. The opportunity to telecommute has enabled me to continue gainful employment, remain available in emergency situations, use the time I would have been commuting to work to continue my education, and place tougher demands on myself for accountability than I have ever received from a Federal manager. Pride in your work continues, regardless of where that work is performed.

  Considering that implementing a successful telecommuting program also dovetails the President's New Freedom Initiative, Management Directive 715, and strategic goals to recruiting/retaining a more diverse workforce, telecommuting should be another tool in the arsenal that progressive managers should be rallying to adopt.

  Maria Krug Posted September 21, 2005 7:55 AM