Telework Exchange

On March 25, 2009, members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate introduced companion telework bills. The proposed legislation focuses on improving telework in the Federal government and calls for agencies to create expanded programs that allow employees to telework to the maximum extent possible.

The House bill, titled the "Telework Improvements Act of 2009" (H.R. 1722), was introduced by Representative John Sarbanes (D-MD) and co-sponsored by Representatives Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Jim Moran (D-VA), Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), and Frank Wolf (R-VA). If passed, agencies will be required to create telework programs that allow employees to telework at least 20 percent of the hours worked in every two administrative work weeks.

"Traffic gridlock in our region results in lost productivity, less time spent with families, and pollution that poisons our air and alters our climate," said Congressman Sarbanes. "If more Federal employees telework, not only will we improve their quality of life, we will relieve the overall strain on our transportation infrastructure, and improve the daily commute for all area workers."

The Senate bill, the "Telework Enhancement Act of 2009" (S.770), was introduced by Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) and is co-sponsored by Senator George Voinovich (R-OH). If passed, this legislation will require agencies to notify all employees of their eligibility to telework and will require a written agreement between agency managers and employees that outlines their specific work arrangements.

"Witnesses testified to the benefits of increased telework opportunities within the Federal workforce, including lower vehicle emissions associated with commuting, better work-life balance, reduced overhead costs for agencies, and increased trust and communication between employees and their managers," said Senator Akaka. "The Telework Enhancement Act of 2009 builds on those efforts by laying the groundwork for robust telework policies in each executive agency."

The bills are similar in that they both instruct the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to develop a uniform, government-wide telework policy for Federal employees and create a Telework Managing Officer within every agency to oversee telework programs. Each bill requires agencies to provide greater access to and opportunities for telework training and education; requires OPM to compile government-wide data on telework; and mandates the U.S. Government Accountability Office to evaluate agency compliance and produce an annual report to Congress.

The Telework Improvements Act of 2009 has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, while the Telework Enhancement Act of 2009 has been referred to the Senate Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia.