April 13, 2009 By Liza Lowery Massey
How do I manage what I can't see? This question comes up every time teleworking is discussed. As public-sector organizations embrace mobility beyond simple voice and data communications deployed in the field, more managers are facing this issue and others related to supporting a remote work force.
IT leaders are especially important in the virtual workplace since they face dual responsibilities. First, they must enable and support the organization's virtual employees. Second, they have to manage their own remote employees.
The benefits of allowing employees to telework -- i.e., work remotely, often with flexible hours -- are numerous and fairly well known. There's less environmental impact -- fewer people commute and use less office space -- as organizations "homeshore" employees for all or part of the workweek. Employees benefit financially because of commute-related savings. They also experience less stress and a higher level of job satisfaction on noncommute days.
Employers benefit, too, from cost-savings; lowered transportation costs for field employees; less office space; and decreased use of land lines, network connections and other office equipment. They also benefit from increased productivity in noncommuting employees.
When telework programs provide flexible hours and remote work locations, employees can take advantage of their personal peak time -- the time of day (or night) when they are most productive -- thereby increasing their productivity. Telework programs also help employers attract and retain talent.
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Based off of discussions of the Digital Communities Large Jurisdiction Chief Information Officer (CIO) Working Group, this white paper aims to answer the question, "In today's economic, political and business environment, what constitutes a successful relationship between government and industry?" Cause for Optimism identifies and clarifies the issues that separate government and industry, and begins to find an answer to the question necessary for both to enjoy a successful and prosperous future.
Don't miss this opportunity to see the latest in digital government solutions, keep abreast of current policy issues and network with key government executives, technologists and industry specialists.
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