Federal Study Find Benefits of Telework When Caring For Dependents
A preliminary report aimed at discovering how to best run telework programs that allow federal workers to take of dependents found nine in 10 employees feel they can provide better care for dependents while nearly eight in 10 say they can perform their jobs with less stress and more energy.
A preliminary report aimed at discovering how to best run telework programs that allow federal workers to take of dependents found nine in 10 employees feel they can provide better care for dependents while nearly eight in 10 say they can perform their jobs with less stress and more energy.
The study, conducted by the General Services Administration, surveyed 863 federal teleworkers. Among the key findings are:
- Sixty percent of respondents say teleworking impacts job performance. The top impact identified were improved job performance, improved morale and less stress.
- Ninety-three percent say teleworking increases job retention
- Forty-five percent say changes in telework policies would be helpful, including changes to technical support offered and increases support from management.
The findings urge federal agencies to implement a governmentwide initiative to clarify the appropriate role that telework can play in balancing work and dependent care; establish top-down support to dispel the anxiety and sensitivity associated with the proper use of telework as a dependent care solution; and establish top-down support to help managers and policy makers accept and promote the worklife balance potential of telework;
This is the second study the government has undertaken to improve telework arrangements. The first of the studies “Telework in the Federal Workplace: Dependent Care Study” was completed in 2003 and focused on federal telework center users. This study, “Telework and Dependent Care” was conducted in 2005 and focused on federal home-based teleworkers.
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