1. Teleworking with Success

2. Need for Teleworking “The president made it clear to me that he doesn’t want snow, nature, or any other cause to be able to stop our government…Since OPM doesn’t control the weather or the plows, telework is the only way to achieve the goal that the president very clearly set.” John Berry, Director, Office of Personnel Management 2 06/29/2007 2:30pmeSlide - P4065 - WorkLife4You

3. 3 06/29/2007 2:30pmeSlide - P4065 - WorkLife4You Objectives Understanding Telework What is the telework agreement and what does it mean to you Key preferences/traits of successful teleworkers Benefits and common challenges of teleworking Self-management techniques to maintain your productivity and motivation Ways to structure your work requirements and to maintain a good supervisor/employee relationship Communication strategies for staying connected

4. Teleworking and the Agreement What is Teleworking Teleworking is an arrangement between the head of each Executive Agency and an employee which allows flexibility for an employee to perform their duties and responsibilities and any other authorized activities from an approved worksite other than the location from which the employee would otherwise work What is a Teleworking Agreement It is a mandatory written agreement between an agency manager and an employee authorized to telework, that outlines the specific work arrangement that is agreed to. 4 06/29/2007 2:30pmeSlide - P4065 - WorkLife4You

5. Training for Teleworking Under the “Telework Enhancement Act of 2010” requires that employees that are going to be eligible to telework receive training first. The law requires that: –Training be provided to both employees and their supervisors –That it be interactive not static –That the employee be trained prior to entering into a required teleworking agreement with the head of their Agency 5 06/29/2007 2:30pmeSlide - P4065 - WorkLife4You

6. Telework Prerequisites All employees of an agency will be notified if they are eligible for teleworking Not all employees are eligible for telework You may not be eligible : –If the nature of your work does not allow it –If telework cannot be incorporated into the agency’s continuity of operations –If telework will diminish an employees performance or an agency’s performance –Disciplinary reasons –Violation of the telework agreement 6 06/29/2007 2:30pmeSlide - P4065 - WorkLife4You

7. 7 06/29/2007 2:30pmeSlide - P4065 - WorkLife4You Key Traits/Preferences of Successful Teleworkers Flexible Organized and self-disciplined Good communicators Do not need frequent supervision Recognize problems when they arise and confer with proper parties to resolve them

8. 8 06/29/2007 2:30pmeSlide - P4065 - WorkLife4You Benefits of Teleworking Flexibility The work product becomes what is important not the place it is produced. Green benefits can include shorter or no commuting and thus a smaller carbon footprint Better work/life balance Benefits to the Government –Less office space may be required –Retention of good employees because geographical location may not be important –Higher morale –Man made or natural problems become less disruptive

9. 9 06/29/2007 2:30pmeSlide - P4065 - WorkLife4You Common Challenges Adjusting to working remotely Self management and motivation Organization The new dynamic between supervisor and employee Measurables Career visibility and advancement

10. 10 06/29/2007 2:30pmeSlide - P4065 - WorkLife4You Making the Adjustment Establish a routine Maintain motivation and productivity by focusing your day Keep organized Become technically self-sufficient Remember that you are teleworking but your cooperating partners may not be.

11. 11 06/29/2007 2:30pmeSlide - P4065 - WorkLife4You Be Prepared Have a plan for child care or elder care Have what you need to do the work planned Know what you need in this new work environment Be consistent Enjoy the diversity Explore your strengths and minimize you weakness on your telework days.

12. 12 06/29/2007 2:30pmeSlide - P4065 - WorkLife4You Employee / Supervisor Relationships Make your “Telework Agreement” a living document Establish and deliver on expectations to build credibility Communicate effectively and consistently Be reliable and predictable about your accessibility Be responsive and dependable Pitch in and hold your own

13. 13 06/29/2007 2:30pmeSlide - P4065 - WorkLife4You Teleworking and Career Advancement Teleworking is not offered to everyone relish the experience Use the time to polish your skills at working remotely. Have a colleague keep you in the know Fulfill your “Teleworking Agreement” If your position has a career path associated with it that you wish to pursue discuss it and the experience requirements with your supervisor. Consistency and competence are always noticed

14. Telework Act Resources www.telework.gov www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-111hr1722enr/pdf/BILLS- 111hr1722enr.pdfwww.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-111hr1722enr/pdf/BILLS- 111hr1722enr.pdf 14 06/29/2007 2:30pmeSlide - P4065 - WorkLife4You

15. 15 06/29/2007 2:30pmeSlide - P4065 - WorkLife4You WorkLife4 You Resources On the Job Web Service –Workplace Library Interactive Quizzes Team vs. Individual Orientation Test, Communication Skills Test, Procrastination Test Audio Tips and Podcasts How to Shine at Work: Pathways to Productivity HTML Articles On Demand Webinars Building Better Relationships Through Effective Communication, Networking for the Network Challenged, Managing Work and Life WorkLife4You Guides Successful Telecommuting, Managing Work and Life, Communication Skills for Healthy Relationships Related Web Sites WorkLife4You web site www.worklife4you.comwww.worklife4you.com

16. 16 Let WorkLife4You Make Your Life a Little Easier! Contact WorkLife4You 24/7: 1-877-WL4-NOAA (1-877-954-6622) (TTY 800-873-1322) http://www.worklife4you.com — Look for the Member Login box — Not a registered member yet? Follow the “Start Now” link and enter Registration Code: noaa