/cdklawyers.com// 10/15/2011
The United States Office of Personnel Management recently published a Guide to Telework in the Federal Government, http://www.telework.gov/guidance_and_legislation/telework_guide/telework_guide.pdf. It is intended to provide practical information to assist federal agencies implement telework arrangements with their employees. Telework (also known as telecommuting or working remotely) provides a way for employees to work from a different location. The benefits include decreased real estate costs for employers and increased flexibility for employees. Employment law legal risks do exist, so an employer should not jump into a telework arrangement without considering a few key issues.
A private employer who plans to implement a telework policy may wish to review the government’s publication since it outlines some initial issues an employer should consider. Such considerations include:
• Communication expectations (whether the employee will be available by telephone or e-mail and the expected time frame for the employee to respond to messages)
• Equipment needed by the employee to work off-site
• Security measures to protect sensitive data or other confidential information
• Training for teleworkers
• Eligibility for telework arrangements (whether based on past performance or other factors)
• Safety issues
• Whether a written agreement is needed to set forth the expectations and understandings of the employer and employee
To speak with a DFW employment lawyer about setting up a telework arrangement or about another employment law matter, contact the DFW employment law attorneys at Clouse Dunn LLP at info@clousedunn.com.
Press Release Contact Information:
KEITH A. CLOUSE
Clouse Dunn LLP
214.220.2722
214.220.3833 ( fax)
keith@clousedunn.com
