Through partnerships with public, private, non-profit, interstate and international organizations, the Arizona Department of Administration found that we can make the difference if we all work together. Telecommuting is a powerful management option that allows selected employees to work from 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 that 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 help 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 two employers then selected and trained qualified participants. The pilot was successful in showing that telecommuting is a viable travel reduction strategy which may also provide increases in employee productivity, efficiency, and job attitude, as a consequence of an improved work environment. The State of Arizona Telecommuting Program was formally established by Executive Order in 1993.