Presently, there are no fewer than 79 federal employees on a waiting list to use our telecommuting center in Jefferson County. There is overwhelming employee interest in telecommuting, but minimal support from the agency that they work for. From what I understand, other telecenters report similar situations. Public interest in telecommuting shouldn't come as a surprise. Telework saves time, thus contributing to a better balance between work and family needs.
Telecommuting is efficient and environmentally sound.
From the standpoint of worker productivity, it just makes common sense less time in the rush-hour commute leads to less stress and increased employee output. Savings come in a variety of forms, including reduced office space, fewer sick leave absences, and energy conservation. According to a recent report by the Government Executive News, the U.S. Government Patent and Trademark Office conducted a telecommuting experiment designed to aid in employee retention and help relieve office crowding. After two years, the agency found that telecommuting employees were thirty-eight percent more productive than employees who worked in the agency office. This is truly amazing.