Efficient Telework

President Obama has ordered federal agencies to limit the number of IT devices -- such as laptops, smartphones and tablets -- issued to federal employees. The order calls for agencies to assess current device inventories and usage and establish controls to ensure they are not paying for unused or underutilized IT equipment, software or services.

"To promote further efficiencies in IT, agencies should consider the implementation of appropriate agencywide IT solutions that consolidate activities such as desktop services, email and collaboration tools," the order states.

So what does this mean for telework going forward? Cindy Auten, general manager of Telework Exchange, said Wednesday that some agencies are moving to a "one-computer model," meaning they provide employees with a laptop instead of multiple devices for the home and the office. "It's about changing the way we think about work and using the right technology to get us there," she said.

Auten recommends that agencies evaluate employees' needs before implementing a telework solution. Smart phones, for example, are usually a good fit for many who telework at least two or three days per week, she said.

"Telework is essentially driving some of the efficiency in the government, and we believe this executive order will fit in well with the federal government's move to a remote workforce," Auten said.