However, FRA has designated telework centers in the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area that would be used by employees to ensure continuity of essential functions of the FRA under emergency conditions when routine FRA operations have been impaired or cannot be conducted in the immediate Washington D.C. area. Essential FRA employees who cannot work from their home have designated a telework center which they will report to in case of an emergency. Employees reported having more time to spend with their children and being able to participate in community activities. Telecommuting has also improved productivity in FRA's streamlined headquarters environment. Telecommuting is working well across the regions with very few identifiable differences based on geography.
Participation is higher in densely populated areas such as California, Houston, Atlanta, and Newark.
The FRA's telecommuting program has faced very few challenges so far. Communication issues and isolation are the primary challenges the agency continues to face. Because of the large number of inspectors who participate in the telecommuting program, regional managers and union officials often discuss ways in which to address these issues. The FRA's wide use of teams to accomplish mission needs has helped address feelings of isolation. Effective communication also plays an important role in assisting supervisors in maintaining effective oversight.