State Telecommuting Program

1
State Telecommuting Program

• July 27,2009

2
History of the Program

• State Pilot Program began in 1990
• Expanded to allow all agencies to participate in
  1994
• Originally started as an employee driven program
  used mainly for the benefit of the employee
• Elements of House Bill 7135 show a push to become
  part of normal operations

3
Statutory Authority

• Section 110.171, Florida Statutes
• Requires all agencies to identify positions
  suitable for telecommuting
• Agencies which allow employees to telecommute
  must establish an agency policy

4
A few of the policy parameters in s.110.171, F.S.

• Policies must
• Require a written agreement between agency and
  employee
• Prohibit employees under a performance
  improvement plan from telecommuting
• Establish reasonable conditions for the use of
  equipment
• Establish security controls the agency considers
  appropriate
• Specify that employees are covered by workers
  compensation at the home office
• Prohibit employees from conducting face-to-face
  business at the home site

5
Initiating a Program

• Most agencies programs are administered through
  the personnel office
• Identify a telecommuting coordinator
• Incorporate various stakeholders into the policy
  development process (Personnel, IT, Budgeting
  Office)

6
Keys to Success

• Sound policy development must include HR and IT
  leadership
• Clearly defined expectations must be established
  up front (include in the written agreement)
• Maintain interpersonal communications
• Plan for technical equipment and support
• Establish contingency plans
• Training Training - Training

7
Integration with COOP(Pandemic) Planning

• Simply declaring that telecommuting will be a
  component of your plan is not a plan
• Position identification is critical
• Practice what you plan
• Expanding the program improves adaptability

8
Telecommuting Challenges

• Communication barriers
• Shifts in management style
• Implementation costs
• Sensitive information
• Workers compensation issues
• Office supplies

9
Creating a Win-Win

• Employee Benefits

• Employer Benefits

• Increased job satisfaction
• Time savings
• Cost savings on commute
• Personal savings

• Increased productivity
• Reduced Absenteeism
• Improved retention rates
• Compliance with ADA
• Reduced office space requirements
• Positive environmental changes
• Continuity of Operations

10
Resources

• DMS - Division of Human Resource Management
• Federal Telework Program
• Commuter Services of North Florida
• The Telework Exchange