Telecommuting is a powerful management option that is being extended to all agencies, boards and commissions. Telecommuting allows selected employees to work at home, or a state office location closer to home, one or more days a week. Telecommuting offers a more productive working environment with fewer distractions which results in better job performance, improved employee morale and job satisfaction, reduced absenteeism and sick leave usage. Telecommuting can also help retain valued employees and recruit top quality new people while improving the quality of life in our communities.
Agencies assign a coordinator to oversee the program implementation, review and expansion phases.
Agencies begin the process with a six-month pilot to test how well telecommuting will work for them. After the pilot is evaluated, program modifications are made and the opportunity to telecommute is offered to additional qualified employees. The Arizona Department of Administration works with a coordinator from each agency to brief management, plan the pilot, assist supervisors to select telecommuters, train telecommuters and their supervisors to negotiate telecommuting agreements, evaluate the pilot and expand the program to include more employees. A committee of agency coordinators meets bi-monthly to offer networking assistance and support to new agencies. Supervisors may select employees who have the abilities and circumstances at home necessary to telecommute.