Improving Telecommuting in the Face of Pandemic

Much to my frustration, the federal government has long lagged behind the private sector in promoting telework-despite the traffic, energy, cost, productivity, and employee morale benefits it can provide. Perhaps the threat of pandemic flu will finally be the push the federal government needs to take serious strides in getting more employees to be teleworkers. During an outbreak, it may not be possible, or advisable, for employees to report to work and be in close quarters. Any worthwhile continuity of government plan must include the ability for employees to work off-site during emergencies, and telework can be such a simple solution in that regard.