PTO Lets Some Managers Telework Full-Time
Program follows a successful trial run with 100 volunteers.
The Patent and Trademark Office has long been considered a leader for telework implementation across the federal government. Now, the agency is taking a new lead by allowing some of its managers to telework full-time.
Mobile Work Exchange reports on a new program announced by PTO in July that allows some Patent managers to telework on a full-time basis, overseeing both remote and in-office workers.
Danette Campbell, PTO’s senior adviser for telework, said the program was put in place to help retain highly-skilled managers who might have otherwise left for jobs with full-time telework schedules. “We believe this alternative work arrangement will give us an increased ability to make management more attractive to our current teleworking workforce,” she said.
PTO launched the program following a successful six-month pilot program last year that allowed 100 volunteer managers who met certain criteria to telework full-time. Campbell said the majority of participants were able to manage effectively, even in a remote environment.
Would adoption of full-time telework schedules be helpful in retaining highly-skilled workers at your agency? Would your manager be an appropriate candidate for remote work?