ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the concept of and current trends in telework, specifically focusing on its use in government. It explores practical considerations for telework implementation, including legal requirements, technology issues, and cultural and management influences and impacts. As part of the Telework Enhancement Act, agencies are required to incorporate telework into their continuity of operation plans as well as work with the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to satisfy reporting requirements. In contrast to much of the research that highlights the benefits of telework, both from scholars and government reports, scholars do find contradictory outcomes. Technology has been a primary reason that telework has become more of a standard option but it is important to remember that having work done remotely brings a set of risks and issues that should be considered in advance and carefully managed.
