OPM chief endorses telework

The times they are a changin', that's for sure. With emergency planning now underway for a swine flu pandemic that may never happen, telework is getting an even bigger boost than it had the week before last.

But like every easy answer, there are always tough questions. Are you prepared for the security headache telecommuting will bring to your agency? Are you ready to rely on your teleworkers to make sure all security measures are adhered to carefully?

"I'm here to put some giddyap into telework," said John Berry, director of the Office of Personnel Management. He's got a plan, and you've got the orders to make it work. The plan includes:

* An advisory group to develop government-wide standards for telecommuting.

* Asking agencies to submit telework policies for review.

* Encouraging each agency to establish a telework managing officer to make sure telework policies are fair.

It won't be so easy, says Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-VA). "There still is a cultural problem," Connolly said. "Younger managers get it. There are some of the older school who feel, 'If I can't see you, you're washing the dog or watching soap.'"

Missing in all this discussion is the importance of security. Clearly unresolved, it could blow any widespread telework policy up. So think hard and think again before you implement telework in your shop without a secure system.

For more on this emerging policy:
- check out this Washington Post article