ABSTRACT

Research from Global Workplace Analytics finds that telework grew across fields with regular teleworking increasing by 216 percent between 2005 and 2019. This chapter reviews the concept of and current trends in telework, focusing specifically on its use in government. It explores practical considerations for telework implementation, including legal requirements, technology needs, and cultural and management implications. The federal government has taken the lead on promoting telework in the public sector. A 2020 Center for State and Local Government Excellence survey found a steady increase in teleworking among state and local governments, with the practice remaining higher among state agencies than local governments. Understanding outcomes of telework can be difficult, as conceptualizations and research on the topic come from a wide variety of sources, including management, psychology, transportation, communication, and information sciences. Employee satisfaction is a core issue of concern for managers across all types of work.