Telework Exchange

Telework is an inevitable, growing movement in Washington State, according to a recently released report to the Washington State legislature that detailed the findings of the 15-month-long Kitsap Telework Pilot Project. However, the economic, environmental, and quality of life benefits are potentially so significant to employers and employees alike – as well as to the state's goals for improved air quality and reductions in traffic congestion – that legislators and Washington State agencies need to accelerate adoption by providing more outreach and funding.

"The project has received a great deal of interest from communities and organizations around the state," the report noted. "It is critical to build on this momentum."

While employers and grassroots organizations have an important role to play, the state's embrace of telework is crucial to hastening the acceptance and use of telework by employers.

The Kitsap Telework Pilot Project (which was profiled in the March 2009 issue of The Teleworker) was conducted by the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council in Kitsap, Washington, and funded by a grant from the Washington State legislature.

The effort initially focused on developing a comprehensive online Telework Toolkit that provided one-stop information on telework implementation and operational issues for employers, employees, managers, and IT support staff. Project coordinators actively recruited local organizations and employees to implement telework on a test basis, using the Toolkit as a resource, and providing feedback and recommendations for improvements.

Ultimately, 14 organizations and 60 employees participated in the telework portion of the project, while additional organizations contributed or reviewed Toolkit material.

"The Telework Pilot Project provides a greater understanding of telework, its benefits, and the barriers to implementation," the report read, noting that the Telework Toolkit and community templates will continue to be available to employers, employees, and communities that want to explore or implement telework.

However, the report continued, "Greater support is needed to accelerate the adoption of telework by employers. Specifically, a mechanism needs to be found to fund outreach efforts and the continued maintenance of the online Toolkit."

The report found that telework can achieve five significant societal and personal benefits – telework can:

• Be used as a traffic mitigation strategy during highway and bridge construction; however, outreach must begin long before construction begins
• Help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Telework Pilot Project participants saved, on average per day teleworked, 32 miles of travel, 1.43 gallons of fuel, and 27.73 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions
• Assist businesses continue their operations during a disaster or inclement weather, and make communities more resilient. For telework to be effective as a continuity of operations (COOP) strategy, though, extensive preparation and testing are required
• Strengthen the business community. "It helps create a more forward-thinking and flexible business community for the future," the report stated
• Help strengthen families and communities. Pilot Project participants reported that being able to spend more time with their families was the most satisfying aspect of telework

The report to the state legislature highlights numerous recommendations on how the government can help enable and enhance each of these benefits. It also provides recommendations on how the state government can provide leadership and accelerate the adoption of statewide telework initiatives.

The Kitsap Telework Pilot Project recently received the 2009 Puget Sound Regional Council Vision 2040 Award in recognition of its work toward the Vision 2040 goals for promoting a more livable region through wise growth management, economic development, and transportation strategies.

To view the report in its entirety, visit: www.teleworktoolkit.com/library/Telework_Project_Report.pdf