Today marks the 2^ndanniversary of the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 which provides agencies greater flexibility in managing their workforce.  It provides a framework for agencies to better leverage technology and to maximize the use of flexible work arrangements which can aid in recruiting new Federal workers, retain valuable talent and allow the Federal agency workers to be more responsive to citizen needs and be more productive out in the field.  This can include situations such as national security, emergency response, cross agency collaboration, or simply, providing citizen services such as language translation.

Last year, more than 71,000 people pledged, saving$5,651,890 on commuting costs, gaining back 251,774 hours into their day, and removing 3 tons of pollutents from the air while refraining from driving 6, 413,006 miles.

Today, Cisco and Telework Exchange kicks off the third annual Telework Week 2013 -an annual global effort to encourage agencies, organizations and individuals to pledge to work anytime, anywhere from March 4-8, 2013.  According to Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD), author of the Telework Enhancement Act, "Telework Week is an excellent opportunity for thousands of people to try teleworking and realize the great benefits it can provide. A robust Telework program can help organizations improve the quality of life of their employees, while taking strides to protect the environment, reduce traffic congestion on the roads, and increase workplace efficiency." 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL6grRu22cs

Read more

 Telework is a win-win opportunity for agencies, organizations employees and the environment to continue to provide:

• Business continuity
• Improved productivity
• Personnel recruitment and retention
• Work-life balance
• Reduction of traffic, greenhouse gas emission
• Meeting legislative mandates including Telework Enhancement Act 2010

More and more, we are seeing the adoption of telework in governments.  Last month in November,  Cisco and the governments in Australia and New Zealand  kicked off National Telework Week 2012.  Both Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and New Zealand's Communications and Technology Minister, Amy Adams  see the value of teleworking by providing high-speed broadband to all Australian homes and businesses to emphasizing the social and economical value benefits of working from home in New Zealand.

Pledge today to Telework March 4-8, 2013.  It's free, anyone can pledge.  Join the movement  and don't get left behind!

 Get started and learn more about the 10 best practices to reduce costs in your organization today!