The telework kit: Regular vs. ad hoc home workers

Agencies might want to outfit frequent and occasional teleworkers differently. Here are a few ideas for how to do that, gleaned from agency and consultant interviews.

Type: Frequent teleworker.
Hardware: Agency-issued laptop PC, often with hard-drive encryption software and docking station.
Other gear: Printer or multifunction peripheral with printer, scanner, photocopier and fax machine in one device; full-sized desktop monitor.
Internet connection: Broadband.
Network security: Virtual private network with Secure Sockets Layer encryption.
Voice line: Voice over IP.
Software: Access to most, if not all, office applications.

Type: Occasional teleworker.
Computer: Agency-issued laptop PC or employee-owned home computer.
Other gear: Typically not issued peripherals.
Internet connection: Broadband.
Network security: Virtual private network with Secure Sockets Layer encryption.
Voice line: Voice over IP or regular telephone line.
Software: Access to a limited set of applications, such as Web-based e-mail.