Telework bill becomes law

President Barack Obama signed the Telework Enhancement Act into law today. It requires agencies to establish telework policies and seeks to expand the number of feds eligible to telework.

Agencies now have 180 days to establish policies, determine eligibility and notify all workers about their eligibility for telework.

In addition to setting new policies, agencies must appoint a telework managing officer, who must be a senior official with direct access to an agency head. The legislation also establishes interactive training programs for teleworkers and telework managers and includes telework in business continuity plans.

"Federal telework will make the government more efficient, more attractive to aspiring public servants, and more secure in the event of a natural disaster through continuity of operations,” the Telework Exchange said in a written statement.