Myths of Telework Telework Program Guide Suggested Letters Supporting Alternate Work Scheduling State HR Policies Telework Policy (3-0175) Manager Fact Sheet

Telework is a flexible work arrangement where selected employees work one or more days a week from their home or at a site near the home instead of physically traveling to a central workplace. There are many myths and misconceptions about telecommuting and telework. Many of these present unnecessary barriers to offices that could effectively benefit from a more flexible workplace.  Additionally, alternate work scheduling, such as working four, ten-hour days instead of five, eight-hour work days, can reduce an individual employees work travel impact by 20%. Flexible work scheduling, such as working from 7:00 AM through 4:00, helps distribute work travel over a wider range of time and relieves traffic congestion.  Sure, there are challenges but when approached with the knowledge of what lies ahead and a solid, formal plan you can ensure your telework program is a success!

 Top 7 Myths of Teleworking 

bTeleworking is just for computer programmers and other technical people.

REALITY: Teleworking is a world of accountants, writers, analysts, program officers, research staff, consultants and many more. 

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MYTH: Teleworkers only work offsite with no time in the office.

REALITY: Cost and employee benefits are realized even by letting employees work from home even 1 or 2 days a week. Almost all teleworkers work from home only a few hours or days a week, although some jobs are more "telecommutable" than others. Office time will vary with projects or job tasks.

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MYTH: Teleworking means working at home.

REALITY: Home is only one possible workplace.

The power of teleworking is that YOU CAN WORK FROM ANYWHERE! No matter where you are . . . a satellite office, client’s offices, hotels, airports, neighborhood work centers, your boat or even at your favorite getaway!

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MYTH: Technology challenges are the biggest challenges of teleworking .

REALITY: There exists accessable and affordable technology within state government. The technical obstacles are easier to overcome than ever before. Human resource management and interpersonal changes are the challenges most managers overlook which causes them to create ineffective teleworking programs.

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MYTH: You won't be able to reach a teleworker during a time of crisis.

REALITY: Technology today has made that an issue of the past. Affordable pagers, cell phones and e-mail make the ability to contact someone easier and quicker than ever before. Teleworkers can easily report when they start and stop work too!

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MYTH: Teleworking only benefits the employee.

REALITY: Creating a more flexible work environment through teleworking is one of the few business solutions that truly creates a win-win situation for both the employee and employer.

Most often the employer reaps the benefit of increased employee productivity along with a stronger ability to attract and retain valuable employees.

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MYTH: If you let a few employees telework then all your employees will want to telework.

REALITY: Not every job or person is suited for teleworking. Many if not most people prefer the office environment.