Telework reduces traffic congestion and air pollution. It reduces gas consumption and our dependency on foreign oil. Telework provides people with disabilities greater job opportunities. Telework helps fill our nation's labor market shortage. It is also a good way for retirees to pick up part-time work.
Companies save significantly when they have a strong telecommuting program.
At one national telecommunications company, nearly 25 percent of its employees work from home at least one day per week. The company found positive results in the way of fewer days of sick leave, better worker retention, and higher productivity. Last fall, I participated in Virginia Governor James Gilmore's telework task force. I want to take the opportunity to congratulate Governor Gilmore for his strong leadership and involvement in telework. The Governor's task force made a number of recommendations to increase and promote telework.