Agencies to fill out telework survey

Office of Personnel Management 2003 Telework Survey

The Office of Personnel Management this week issued a survey to get a better look at how well the federal telework program is working and how many agencies offer telecommuting as an option.

The 2003 Telework Survey was distributed to 80 agencies and departments. It will focus on employees whose jobs permit them to routinely work outside of the office one or more days a week. The survey will collect statistical data on these employees, as well as those who occasionally work away from the office.

The survey is due Nov. 1, but OPM will be flexible in accepting surveys after that date, an agency spokesman said.

A telework option can be a useful tool for managing employees, said OPM Director Kay Coles James. "Telework helps an agency attract, motivate and retain well-qualified workers, address critical space issues and assure continuity of operations under a variety of emergencies," James said in a statement.

Teleworking can reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions, and cut employees' commute time, James said. It can also be an asset in emergency situations that require flexibility, such as severe weather conditions, she said.